Man Charged After Edinburgh Attacks Leave Five Injured
Police Scotland have charged a 36-year-old man in connection with a series of attacks in Edinburgh on Friday, June 19, 2026, that left five men injured. The incident, which prompted a counter-terrorism investigation, saw the suspect, a white Scottish man, arrested after a bare-chested individual was seen on the streets carrying a weapon and shouting that he was 'protecting the country'.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, stating on X that the suspect appeared to be motivated by 'anti-Muslim hatred'. He added, 'I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law.' Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was 'horrified' by the violence, which seemed driven by anti-Muslim hatred.
Details of the Attacks
Police were first called to an incident in the Sighthill area at around 8.50pm, where two men were injured. Subsequently, reports came in of attacks near retailers across the west and north of Edinburgh, including on Telford Road and Leith Walk. Three more men were allegedly attacked in these areas. The victims, aged 22 (two), 24, 27, and 39, sustained various injuries, with three requiring hospital treatment. None of the injuries are life-threatening.
Video footage shared online showed a bare-chested man carrying a large weapon and battering the door of a pizzeria. Another clip showed the man on the ground, held by an officer, shouting that he was 'protecting the country'. Police closed off Leith Walk on Friday evening as the incidents unfolded.
Witness Account and Police Response
Uday Kiran Naga, who was working at the Shell garage on Telford Road, described the scene: 'We closed the door and I locked the door. It was very, very scary. We called the police and I think people outside called the police. The police came very quickly, two or three vehicles.' He added that customers were shocked, saying 'Nothing like this has happened before.'
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton described the attacks as 'shocking' and said, 'I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together.' The force is working with Counter Terrorism Policing under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Late on Saturday, June 20, Police Scotland confirmed: 'A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of incidents which took place in Edinburgh on Friday, 19 June, 2026. A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal, and the individual will appear at court in due course.' The suspect was detained at around 9.30pm on Friday.
The Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) organisation stated that several of the victims are Muslim. A Major Incident Public Portal has been set up to encourage the public to submit information to police.
