Two worshippers killed in Manchester synagogue attack on Yom Kippur

Two worshippers were killed and several others wounded on Yom Kippur after a man drove into and attacked congregants at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, officials said. Police shot the alleged attacker dead at the scene on Sunday, and three people were taken to hospital, authorities and local reports said.

Police and hospital officials said the assailant struck the building with a vehicle before entering and attacking worshippers with a knife. Officers said the suspect appeared to be wearing a fake suicide device when they confronted him. The exact sequence of events and the circumstances of one fatality, which some reports say may have involved police gunfire through a synagogue door, are being examined by investigators.

The assault took place on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, when synagogues are particularly busy. Local and national leaders described the attack as a traumatic blow to Manchester’s Jewish community and pledged support as investigations proceed. Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the United Kingdom’s chief rabbi, said, "Our hearts are shattered and there is an urgent need for soul-searching," reflecting calls for reflection and...