Samir Zitouni is a LINER staff member who recently earned immense praise for protecting passengers during the Huntington train stabbing incident, find out more below
The incident took place on a high-speed LNER service from Doncaster to London, leaving several people injured.
Who is Samir Zitouni, LNER staff member who stopped Anthony Williams during Huntington train stabbing incident
The train guard who threw himself in harm's way to protect passengers during a mass stabbing spree, and now lies critically ill in hospital, has been named as Samir Zitouni.
What a total hero. pic.twitter.com/NshVRDqn1h
— Paul Embery (@PaulEmbery) November 4, 2025
Samir Zitouni has worked on the trains for 20 years
Sam’s actions on Saturday were selfless, brave and undoubtedly saved lives. They also resulted in serious injury to himself
His gallantry must be recognised
I hope @cabinetofficeuk acts quickly to recognise this true heroism pic.twitter.com/93o1kUO64z
— Richard Holden MP (@RicHolden) November 4, 2025
The incident stunned passengers and railway workers alike, with tributes pouring in from across the country.
LNER staff member Samir Zitouni earns praise for protecting passengers
Samir Zitouni is a customer experience host with the London North Eastern Railway who recently earned immense praise for protecting passengers during the recent Huntington train stabbing. Samir put his life on the line as he threw himself in between the passengers and the attacker identified as age 32 Brit Anthony Williams without hesitation. His quick actions allowed the passengers to find safety on board the LINER.
In response to his heroism, the LNER’s managing director, David Horne, noted that Samir’s actions “saved lives in a moment of crisis.” Horne added that the entire LNER family feels immense pride in Samir’s bravery and will continue to support him throughout his recovery. Meanwhile, the British Transport Police confirmed on Tuesday that Samir is currently in hospital, stable but critically injured after being stabbed in the neck and head.
Reactions from netizens
Following the incident, netizens have been pouring in with messages of love and admiration for Samir, with one user writing:
You didn’t just do your job, Sam — you became the shield others needed.”
Another user commented:
Heroes walk among us, and Sam proved it.”
A fellow user posted:
His courage reminds us there’s still kindness and selflessness in this world.”
Another user shared:
Stay strong, Sam. The whole nation stands with you.”
Samir Zitouni biography and age
Samir Zitouni who is a Muslim by religion is an LNER staff member born in 1977, known affectionately as Sam to colleagues. He has notably dedicated over two decades of his life to railway service, and he is currently 48 years old. Samir’s friends described him as a warm-hearted and approachable man who is deeply devoted to helping others.
Career
Samir Zitouni started his career at LNER over 20 years ago and quickly became a trusted presence for both passengers and staff. As a customer experience host, he was determined to ensure all travelers felt safe, informed, and valued. His recent act of courage during the attack has notably earned him widespread praise and admiration.
When an attacker is muslim, much is made of his religion & ethnicity. "Jihadist", "Islamist", "Radical muslim"
The hero who saved the lives of so many potential victims is Samir Zitouni.
The most Arab & most Muslim of names. But the media & the bigots won't tell you that part. pic.twitter.com/LdOBbL11lZ
— Niz (@NizMhani) November 4, 2025
ALSO READ: IVF Specialist Dr. Aniruddha Malpani: Biography, age, wife, education and net worth