London stabbing declared ‘terrorist incident’

London’s Metropolitan Police have arrested a 45-year-old man in connection with a stabbing attack that injured 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 national born in Somalia, was detained on suspicion of attempted murder after being discharged from hospital and remains in police custody. Police said the victims, aged 76 and 34, suffered stab wounds but are in stable condition after being treated at the scene and taken to hospital. The area, home to a large Jewish population, has witnessed a series of antisemitic incidents in recent weeks.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said counterterrorism officers are investigating whether the attack deliberately targeted the Jewish community. Commissioner Mark Rowley described it as “an attack on British Jews,” noting the suspect has a history of serious violence and mental health issues. 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.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident as “utterly appalling” and antisemitic, stating that “attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan also denounced the violence and promised increased high-visibility policing in the area. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called for “meaningful action,” warning that words alone are no longer sufficient as fear grows within the community.

Authorities and community leaders have pointed to a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across the UK since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in late 2023. According to the Community Security Trust, nearly 3,700 incidents were recorded last year, more than double the previous year’s figures. 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.

In response, the UK government has announced an additional £25 million in funding to strengthen security for Jewish communities. The package will support enhanced police patrols and protective measures at synagogues, schools, and community centres. Security Minister Dan Jarvis said legislation would also be fast-tracked to target individuals acting as proxies for state-sponsored groups under the National Security Act.

The stabbing follows multiple incidents in Golders Green, including an arson attack on ambulances linked to a Jewish volunteer emergency service and another suspected arson at a memorial wall. These incidents have increased anxiety among residents in the area, where nearly half of the 15,000 population is Jewish. Community groups reported that the suspect had been seen attempting to stab passersby before being apprehended.