Brave synagogue guard wounded while stopping terrorist attack receives Pride of Britain honor
Andrew Franks, a volunteer security guard, was stabbed three times while preventing a terrorist from entering the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur and will receive a Pride of Britain Award for his bravery.
On Yom Kippur, a terrorist attempted to breach the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, stabbing volunteer security guard Andrew Franks three times as he shouted for the doors to be locked. Franks' intervention bought crucial time for the congregation, which has a capacity of 850, to barricade the doors and prevent further casualties. Police firearms officers later shot the attacker dead, though a stray bullet killed Adrian Daulby and injured Yoni Finlay; Melvin Cravitz was also killed outside the gates.
Franks endured life-changing injuries to his head, neck, spine and face, requiring extensive surgery and a two-week hospital stay. He will receive one outlet Pride of Britain Award, presented in partnership with P&O Cruises, recognizing his outstanding bravery. His father, Ellis Franks, helped stop the bleeding until medics arrived, and the family continues to receive counseling for the trauma.
Why it matters
The story highlights individual heroism that prevented a larger tragedy and honors those who risk their lives for community safety.
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