'Incredibly calm': Meet Rabbi Daniel Walker, 'hero' of Manchester synagogue 'terrorist' attack, who shut the doors to stop attacker

UK Police Says Manchester Synagogue Attack Being Treated As 'Terrorism'

The attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester has been declared a "terrorist incident," Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of counter-terrorism policing, confirmed.

Two people were killed and a suspect was shot dead by police during a stabbing and car attack on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur on Thursday. Three members of the public remain in serious condition.

Armed officers responded swiftly, and a major incident was declared. Bomb disposal experts were deployed to the scene. The Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Command also confirmed two arrests in connection with the attack, which is now being treated as a counter-terrorism investigation.

British PM Keir Starmer responds

Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the UK’s Jewish community, saying Britain "must defeat" antisemitism and pledging a "more visible police presence" to ensure their safety.

Directly addressing worshippers, he said he would do everything in his power to provide "the security you deserve."

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham praised the emergency services and volunteers, calling the incident a “horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends.” He urged communities to stand united, saying, “We always will stand together… Do not let them succeed.”

Who is Rabbi Daniel Walker? 

Rabbi Daniel Walker of the Heaton Park synagogue has been widely praised for his bravery during the attack. Witnesses reported that he barricaded the synagogue doors to prevent the attacker from entering, keeping worshippers safe.

Chava Lewin told the Daily Mail: “Rabbi Walker was incredibly calm, he shut the doors to the synagogue to stop him getting inside. He barricaded everyone inside. He is a hero; this could have been even worse.”

Rabbi Walker, who has led the synagogue since 2008, was seen emerging from the building with bloodstains on his robes. His quick thinking and composure helped prevent further casualties during the rampage.

International reactions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with the UK’s Jewish community, saying Israel grieves alongside them. He warned that "weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism."

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticised what he described as "blatant and rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement" in the UK, calling on the British government to take stronger action.