U.K. synagogue Yom Kippur attack terrorism, police say

Police in Manchester on Thursday shot and killed an attacker after he drove a vehicle toward people outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. The suspect then attacked people with a knife, killing two and injuring at least three others, according to the Greater Manchester Police. A large number of people were gathered inside the synagogue to mark Yom Kippur, the most holy day in the Jewish religion. A civilian called police shortly after the attack began, and authorities were able to stop the suspect before he entered the building.

Later on Thursday, Greater Manchester Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the incident had been officially declared an act of terrorism. Police tentatively identified the deceased suspect, but they held off releasing his details pending verification, Watson said.

How have lawmakers responded? U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was attending a security conference in Denmark, returned home to lead an emergency meeting with law enforcement officials and elected officials. Police deployed to synagogues across the country following the attack, he said. The city of Manchester flew its flag at half-mast in honor of the victims, and city council leader Bev Craig offered condolences to the community. King Charles III also said in a statement that he was shocked and saddened by the attack.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report about a pro-Palestinian group sued under the FACE Act for a riot outside a New Jersey synagogue.