A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with a series of violent incidents in Edinburgh on Friday that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said appeared to be motivated by "anti-Muslim hatred."
Charges and Arrest
Police Scotland confirmed that a 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested and charged following multiple attacks across the city. A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal, and the individual is expected to appear in court in due course. Counter-terrorism officers assisted in the investigation, but the force stated there is no further threat to the public.
Details of the Incidents
Officers were first deployed around 8:50 PM on Friday after reports of an incident in the Sighthill area, where two men were injured. Additional reports soon followed of attacks targeting retailers in the west and north of Edinburgh. In total, five men aged 22, 22, 24, 27, and 39 sustained injuries, with three requiring hospital treatment. None of the injuries are considered life-threatening. According to Muslim engagement group MEND Scotland, several of the victims are from the Muslim community.
Political Condemnation
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer posted on X, sharing an image of a bare-chested man wielding a large weapon, writing: "Absolutely appalling. No one should face violence on our streets. The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law." Scottish First Minister John Swinney also condemned the violence, stating: "I am deeply concerned by these incidents. There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country." Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described herself as "horrified" and said the violence appeared "to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred." She added: "There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims. I know it is not who we are as a country."
Police Response
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton called the attacks "shocking" and expressed her thoughts for those injured. She 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." She thanked officers for their bravery and professionalism, and noted that a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been established for the public to submit information. The force is working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing and the Crown Office.
Public Appeal
Police are urging anyone with information or footage to upload it via the online portal. Scottish Government Justice Secretary Neil Gray said: "These attacks were awful and my thoughts are with those who were injured. As Police Scotland have said, there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in Scotland." He also thanked emergency services for their bravery and skill.
