The man suspected of stabbing two Jewish men in north London has a history of serious violence and mental health problems, according to Britain's most senior police officer. Sir Mark Rowley told journalists in Golders Green that officers who Tasered and arrested the 45-year-old believed he was carrying a bomb when they confronted him on Wednesday.
The attack, which occurred at around 11.15am on Highfield Avenue, has been declared a terrorist incident. Two men, aged 76 and 34, remain in hospital in a stable condition. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis named them as Nachman Moshe ben Chaya Sarah and Moshe Ben Baila in a social media post, calling for meaningful action against antisemitic violence.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he would visit Golders Green as soon as possible following the “appalling attack”. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood pledged the government would “strain every sinew” to keep Jewish people safe, and a Cobra meeting has been called. The King, currently visiting the US, is being kept informed and is “naturally deeply concerned” about the impact on the Jewish community.
Head of counter-terrorism policing Laurence Taylor confirmed the incident has been formally declared a terrorist attack. He said officers are working with the Metropolitan Police and security services to establish whether the attack deliberately targeted the Jewish community. The suspect, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, remains in custody after being checked at hospital.
Disturbing footage appears to show a man putting on a kippah at a bus stop before being attacked. Another clip shows officers Tasering and kicking the suspect. Sir Mark defended the officers' actions, saying they were “nothing short of extraordinary” for confronting a man they believed to be a terrorist with an explosive device.
The attack follows a series of alleged arson attacks on Jewish sites in London, including an attempted arson at a memorial wall on Monday and a fire that destroyed four Jewish community ambulances in March. A group called Hayi has claimed responsibility for the stabbing, though police treat this with scepticism due to the differing nature of the attacks. A protest is planned outside Downing Street on Thursday evening.
