King Charles visits Manchester synagogue to meet survivors and first responders after attack

The King has visited Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester to meet survivors of the attack there earlier this month in which two people were killed.

Charles III said he wanted to show his support after the attack which he called a ‘terrible thing to come out of the blue” and said ”I can’t tell you how sad I am.’

King Charles also met paramedics and police who had been among the first to respond to the attack which took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Among those to speak to The King was the synagogue’s chairman Alan Levy, who helped to barricade the door to the building when the attack happened.

Other leaders at the synagogue met King Charles who wore a traditional kippah when he entered the building.

Several people were badly hurt in the incident including security guard, Bernard Agyemang, who is still using a wheelchair following the attack. He met The King as did a voluntary security guard, Andrew Franks, who was also injured and who was returning to the synagogue for the first time since the attack.

Yoni Finlay was also hurt when he was mistakenly shot by police responding to the incident. He told the BBC that the visit by King Charles ”really sends out a message, it shows a lot of support from the very top of the country”.

There was also gratitude for the royal visit from the police who met The King as he headed to their HQ. In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said ”We were honoured to welcome His Majesty King Charles III to GMP’s Force Headquarters today. The King visited to recognise the work of first responders from the emergency services following the horrific attack at Heaton Park synagogue earlier this month.”

Heaton Park synagogue was attacked on the morning of October 2 2025. Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove a car at the synagogue and attacked worshippers with a knife. Two people were killed. He was shot dead by police while another man was accidentally shot dead by officers in the response to the incident.

King Charles immediately expressed his sadness following the incident and said he was ”deeply shocked and saddened ” and appreciated all the support given by the emergency services.