Manchester Arena bombing
Manchester Arena bombing
On 22 May 2017, a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena in England killed 23 people (including the attacker) and injured 1,017 as Ariana Grande finished a concert. The bomber, Salman Abedi, used a backpack bomb containing TATP and shrapnel. Police later said he largely acted alone, though others were aware of his plans. His brother Hashem Abedi was later convicted of murder, attempted murder and conspiracy and given a life sentence with a minimum term of 55 years—the longest such term in British history.
ISIS claimed responsibility, but officials noted that militant groups frequently issue claims. A public inquiry in 2021 found missed opportunities to stop the attack and that MI5 acted too slowly. The Kerslake Report criticized the emergency response, especially fire service coordination and emergency communications. In the days after, security was tightened across the country, including Operation Temperer deployments in London and other sites.
Ariana Grande held the One Love Manchester benefit concert on 4 June 2017, raising about £17 million for victims. The attack spurred counter-extremism work in the UK and helped lead to Martyn’s Law to improve venue security. A memorial garden, The Glade of Light, opened in Manchester in 2022 to remember the victims.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 23:50 (CET).