John Swinney Condemns Manchester Synagogue Attack on Yom Kippur
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, has expressed his horror over the violent incident at a temple in Manchester that took place on October 2, 2025.
The attack took place during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.
At roughly 931 a.m. BST, Greater Manchester Police received reports of an auto being driven into climbers outside the temple, followed by a pecking.
Fortified officers responded fleetly, shooting a man believed to be the bushwhacker at 938 a.m. Four individuals sustained injuries from both the vehicle and pecking.
The police declared a major incident and activated Operation Plato, the public protocol for responding to a terror attack.
Substantiations reported that onlookers cried warnings about a possible lemon, though this has not been verified. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
John Swinney condemned the attack, stating, “Horrified by the attack on a synagogue in Manchester, on Yom Kippur, the holiest time in the Jewish calendar.”
He expressed his thoughts with the victims, their families, and all Jewish communities, emphasizing that “Antisemitism is an evil we must confront and stand resolutely against.”
First Minister John Swinney expresses his “horror” at the attack on a synagogue in Manchester earlier.
“Antisemitism is an evil we must confront and stand resolutely against.” #FMQs pic.twitter.com/Z0xcqYL9sY
— Holyrood (@HolyroodDaily) October 2, 2025
Horrified by the attack on a synagogue in Manchester, on Yom Kippur, the holiest time in the Jewish calendar.
My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all Jewish communities.
Antisemitism is an evil we must confront and stand resolutely against.
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) October 2, 2025
Former First Minister Humza Yousaf also condemned the attack, describing it as “What an awful attack on the Jewish community,” and noting that “It would be horrifying on any given day, but made worse that it was carried out on the holy day of Yom Kippur.”
He expressed his prayers for the families affected and the wider Jewish community.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar added, “Horrific news coming out of Manchester. My thoughts are with all those affected and the wider Jewish community.
Yom Kippur should be a time of peace and reflection, but instead, they have been the victim of hate and violence. We must stand against antisemitism and all forms of prejudice.”
Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer expressed solidarity, stating, “Our thoughts, prayers, and solidarity are with the victims and the whole community at Heaton Park synagogue.
This horrific attack coming on Yom Kippur will only compound the pain felt by our Jewish friends and neighbours.”
Greater Manchester Police verified that paramedics arrived at the scene at 941 a.m. and treated the injured individuals.
Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area while examinations continue. The incident is being treated as an implicit terrorist attack, and counter-terrorism units have been stationed.
The attack has deeply affected the Jewish community in Manchester and across the UK. Community leaders have called for concinnity and adaptability in the face of similar violence.
The Community Security Trust, a charity that supports British Jews, has been working with police to ensure the safety of Jewish communities during major religious observances.
The incident has also urged increased security measures at Bethels nationwide. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack and bolstered a police presence at Bethels across the UK.
He returned beforehand from a peak in Denmark to preside over an exigency government meeting.
As examinations continue, authorities have prompted the public to remain watchful and report any suspicious activity to the police.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding this woeful event.
The Scottish Government has reiterated its commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and security of all communities.
John Swinney concluded, “We must stand resolutely against all forms of hate and violence, and work together to build a society where everyone can live in peace and safety.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued alertness and solidarity in the face of unreasonableness and hate.
