London stabbing declared ‘terrorist incident’
London’s Metropolitan Police have arrested a 45-year-old man over the stabbing of two Jewish men in the north London suburb of Golders Green, in what authorities have now classified as a ‘terrorist incident’.The suspect, a British citizen born in Somalia, was detained on suspicion of attempted murder after being released from hospital and remains in police custody.
The victims, aged 76 and 34, suffered stab wounds but were in stable condition after being treated at the scene and taken to hospital, police said. The area, which has a large Jewish population, has seen a series of anti-Semitic incidents in recent weeks.
Anti-terrorism investigation underway
Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Laurence Taylor said counter-terrorism officers were investigating whether the attack deliberately targeted the Jewish community.Commissioner Mark Rowley described it as an “attack on British Jews” and said the suspect had a history of serious violence and mental health problems.Police released footage showing officers confronting the suspect, using a stun gun and disarming him after he allegedly refused to show his hands, raising fears he might be carrying an explosive device.
Leaders condemn ‘anti-Semitic attack’
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident as “absolutely appalling” and anti-Semitic, and said that “attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain.”London Mayor Sadiq Khan also condemned the violence and promised to increase high-visibility policing in the area.Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called for “meaningful action”, warning that words alone are not enough as fear grows within the community.
Increasing anti-Semitic incidents raise concerns
Authorities and community leaders have pointed to a sharp increase in anti-Semitic incidents across Britain since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in late 2023.According to the Community Safety Trust, almost 3,700 incidents were recorded last year, more than double the previous year.Officials also warned that some individuals may be influenced or supported by hostile foreign actors, raising broader national security concerns.Independent terrorism watchdog Jonathan Hall described the situation as “the biggest national security emergency” since a wave of attacks in 2017.
Government announces £25 million funding boost
In response, the UK government has announced an additional £25 million of funding to strengthen the security of Jewish communities, The Independent reports.The package will support increased police patrols and protective measures at synagogues, schools and community centres.Security Minister Dan Jarvis said legislation would also be stepped up to target individuals acting as proxies for state-sponsored groups under the National Security Act.
Tension has increased due to series of recent attacks
The stabbing follows a number of incidents in Golders Green, including an arson attack on an ambulance belonging to the Jewish Volunteer Emergency Service and another suspected arson attack on a memorial wall.The incidents have raised concerns among residents of the area, where about half the population of 15,000 is Jewish.Community groups reported that the suspect was seen attempting to stab passers-by before being captured.