World
Rabbi Daniel Walker Hailed as Hero After Stopping Attacker From Entering Manchester Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue
Manchester, UK – Rabbi Daniel Walker of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation has been praised as a hero after taking decisive action to protect worshippers during a deadly attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., a man rammed a vehicle into the front of the synagogue before launching a stabbing spree outside the building.
Armed officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded swiftly, shooting the suspect, who is believed to have died.
Authorities later confirmed that at least two people were killed and three others remain in serious condition.
As chaos unfolded outside, Rabbi Walker—who has led Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation since 2008—barricaded the synagogue doors, preventing the attacker from gaining entry to the crowded sanctuary. Witnesses said his actions likely saved dozens of lives.
One worshipper recalled: “Rabbi Walker was incredibly calm. He shut and barricaded the doors, protecting everyone inside. He is a hero. This could have been so much worse.”
Eyewitnesses described the suspect acting in a “robotic” manner, targeting Jewish worshippers as they exited their vehicles or stood near the gates of the synagogue.
Video circulating online shows armed officers pointing their weapons at the attacker, who lay on the ground before attempting to rise.
Officers then fired again, as bomb disposal teams were called in to investigate suspicious items found on the man’s body, including what was initially feared to be an explosive belt.
Photographs taken shortly afterward showed Rabbi Walker outside the synagogue, his white kittel—robes traditionally worn by Jewish leaders on Yom Kippur—reportedly stained with blood from the scene.
One man who witnessed the assault said: “It is the holiest day of the year, and we get this. There is no place for Jews in Britain anymore. It’s horrifying. We just don’t feel safe.”
Rabbi Walker is a prominent figure in Manchester’s Jewish community. In addition to serving as Rabbi of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation since 2008, he holds several leadership roles:
- Co-chair of the Community and Interfaith Committees of the Jewish Representative Council.
- Chairman of The Friendship Circle, supporting individuals with disabilities.
- Director of the Manchester Beth Din (Ecclesiastical Court).
- Governor of King David Primary and High Schools.
Educated at Manchester Jewish Grammar School, Rabbi Walker studied in yeshivas in the United States and Israel, receiving ordination in 2003.
He previously held a number of rabbinic and educational positions both in the UK and abroad.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack, saying he was “appalled” and that the fact it took place on Yom Kippur made it “all the more horrific.” He announced he would return early from a European leaders’ summit to chair a Cobra emergency meeting.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also confirmed the attack was being treated as a terrorist incident, while King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed that they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the assault, praising the swift actions of emergency responders.
World
Counter-Terrorism Police Identify Suspect in Manchester Synagogue Attack as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie
Manchester, UK – Counter-terrorism police have formally identified the man responsible for today’s deadly attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester as Jihad al Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
Al Shamie was shot and killed by armed officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) after he rammed his car into worshippers and began stabbing individuals gathered for Yom Kippur services.
Authorities confirmed that two people were killed and several others injured, including a synagogue security guard. Four victims are being treated for injuries caused by both the vehicle collision and stab wounds.
According to initial reports from the Press Association, al Shamie’s name does not currently appear in existing police or security service counter-terrorism records, and he was not under active investigation prior to the attack. Further database checks are ongoing to determine whether his details appear in any other historical inquiries.
Earlier in the day, GMP stated that the attacker’s identity was known to them but could not be publicly confirmed at the time due to “safety reasons at the scene.” Bomb disposal units had been deployed because of suspicious items found on the suspect’s body, including a possible explosive device.
09:31 BST – GMP received reports of a car ramming into congregants outside the synagogue in the Crumpsall area of Manchester, approximately four miles from the city centre.
The attacker exited the vehicle armed with a knife and assaulted multiple victims before being confronted by firearms officers.
Dramatic video footage from bystanders shows police aiming weapons at the suspect, who was on the ground, before he attempted to rise. Officers fired additional shots, fatally wounding him.
In the same footage, another individual can be seen lying near the synagogue gates in a pool of blood, while police shouted warnings about a potential bomb.
The incident has been declared a major terrorist incident. GMP confirmed that the “immediate danger appears to be over,” but the area remains sealed off while forensic officers, counter-terrorism investigators, and explosives experts conduct searches.
Political and community leaders have strongly condemned the attack:
- Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, described it as “an outrageous attack on the Jewish community on their holiest day – vile and disgusting.”
- Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester it is “believed” the suspect is dead, though formal confirmation is pending, and reassured residents that the immediate threat has been contained.
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued a statement expressing that they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the assault, adding: “Especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident, and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
Counter-terrorism detectives are working to establish al Shamie’s background, potential motives, and whether he had any connections to extremist groups. Officials stressed that at this stage, he is believed to have acted alone.
GMP and national security agencies remain on high alert and have urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid the affected area, and report any suspicious activity immediately.