Hero rabbi ‘barricades’ synagogue doors to stop rampaging terrorist

EXCLUSIVE: A rabbi risked his own life to save others by barricading the door during the Manchester Heaton Park synagogue rampage earlier today with two members of the public dead

A brave rabbi has been hailed a hero after ‘barricading’ doors to stop Jihad Al-Shamie from getting inside his Manchester synagogue during Thursday’s terror attack. Rabbi Daniel Walker was leading a prayer service to mark Yom Kippur when the horror unfolded.

Two members of the Jewish community were killed and three others were left in a serious condition when Al-Shamie, 35, used his car to ram into worshippers before going on a knife rampage while wearing a fake suicide vest before he was shot dead by police.

Witnesses said he tried to break into the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, but Rabbi Walker barricaded the doors to keep the attacker out of the place of worship. He was pictured with bloodstained robes outside the synagogue this morning.

A source close to the synagogue exclusively told the Daily Star: “He stopped the service once the attack started and immediately barricaded the door with the terrorist right outside.”

The source said the security “managed to stop and delay him long enough so they the doors could be locked and barricaded using whatever was available in the synagogue entrance”.

They added: “Rabbi Walker is known for being one for the wider community’s most respected figures, softly spoken and a gentleman.”

A witness who was inside the synagogue told the BBC prayers had started when the attack happened, but told how Rabbi Walker, remained calm as he and others led the congregation to safety. He added: “They are true heroes.”

Greater Manchester Police’s Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said worshippers and security staff helped stop the attacker getting inside before he was shot dead by officers.

He said: “There were a large number of worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of this attack, but thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and worshippers inside, and the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access. All those inside were safely contained until police were able to confirm that it was safe to leave the premises.”

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer said there was no doubt emergency services and the synagogue’s security guards “prevented an even greater tragedy”.

The PM, who visited a synagogue on Thursday evening, said: “I want to thank Greater Manchester Police, the first responders and those dedicated security specialists, there is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy, and we thank them for their bravery.”

Two men were killed in the car and knife horror, Greater Manchester Police said. Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries following the attack. One sustained a stab wound and a second was struck by the car involved in the attack, the force said.

The third man later presented himself at hospital with an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the attacker.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.