An attack on a synagogue in Manchester, England, shattered the peace and solemnity of Yom Kippur on Thursday, leaving two people dead before the attacker was eventually killed by law enforcement.

The fatal stabbing took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue at 9:30 a.m. Reports say images taken at the scene reveal a man wearing what police feared was a “suicide belt.”

According to reports from local law enforcement officials, the suspect drove a vehicle into pedestrians before getting out and attacking people with a knife. Two people were killed and three others sustained serious injuries. One of the two fatalities was a security guard posted outside the synagogue.

“Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9:38 a.m. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender,” a police representative stated. Police also said the “quick response” of a witness led to “swift action” from law enforcement that prevented the attacker from gaining entrance to the synagogue.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer weighed in on the tragic incident, saying he was “appalled” and “absolutely shocked,” and would be returning home to Britain from a meeting in Denmark. He added that “additional police forces were being deployed to synagogues across the country.”

“The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific,” the prime minister said.

The attack occurred as a Yom Kippur prayer service was taking place. Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar, marking a period when Jews seek forgiveness for their sins.

A man who was identified as Gareth said he saw bodies on the ground as people all around were shouting. He then said he saw a man “stabbing the window” of a building in an attempt to enter it.

“Within seconds, the police arrived. They gave him a couple of warnings. He didn’t listen, so they opened fire,” Gareth recounted. The man hit the ground.

Gareth said the suspect tried to get back up, but police opened fire a second time. A bomb disposal unit appeared on the scene, and a controlled demolition later took place.

King Charles III released a statement saying he and Queen Camilla are “deeply shocked and saddened” by the assault on the synagogue.

“Especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community,” he added. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident, and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”

As of this writing, police have not released additional information about the identity of the suspect who attacked the synagogue.

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