King Charles visits Manchester synagogue

King Charles visited Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester to show solidarity after a deadly attack at the synagogue earlier this month that left two worshippers dead. The monarch met survivors, congregation leaders and emergency responders, pausing at floral tributes and wearing a kippah during the visit. He thanked police, ambulance crews and other first responders for their “fantastic response” and expressed sorrow at the “terrible” incident.

The attack occurred during Yom Kippur when a man drove a vehicle into pedestrians outside the synagogue and then attacked people with a knife. The assailant, Jihad Al‑Shamie, 35, was shot dead by armed police at the scene. Two men, Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed. Several others were injured, including a volunteer security guard seriously hurt when the attacker drove into him and a congregant who was mistakenly shot by police and has since said he is recovering.

During the visit the King met three people who survived the attack, including the recently discharged volunteer security guard and the congregant who was shot. Survivors described the meeting as an honour and said the King’s presence sent a strong message of support from the highest level of the country. The King was also introduced to synagogue figures who helped barricade the doors during the assault, including the chairman and president, and spoke with Rabbi Daniel Walker, who assisted in protecting worshippers.

The synagogue reopened for festivals soon after the attack, and about 150 well‑wishers gathered in the rain near the building during the royal visit. Community members said the King’s visit provided a significant morale boost. Trustees and local worshippers praised the monarch’s decision to cross the road to join a larger community huddle and welcomed his gesture as uplifting.

At Greater Manchester Police headquarters the King met senior officers and emergency staff, who said the visit improved morale after a difficult period. Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson and other local leaders accompanied him, and an ambulance presence also welcomed the monarch. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King aimed to emphasise duty and service and to help bring communities together in times of challenge.

The attack has prompted renewed concern about rising antisemitism in the UK and follows other prosecutions of extremist plots targeting places of worship. The King’s visit was widely welcomed as a gesture of national solidarity and recognition of the bravery and resilience shown by congregation members and emergency responders.