A suspect has been charged following the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London. Essa Suleiman, 45, faces two counts of attempted murder after the attack on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Details of the Attack
The victims, Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Ben Baila, 76, were taken to hospital after being stabbed. Police tasered and arrested Suleiman at the scene. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the suspect is a British national born in Somalia, who came to the UK legally as a child in the 1990s.
Background of the Suspect
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley noted that Suleiman had a history of serious violence and mental health issues. The force confirmed that the suspect was referred to Prevent, the Government's anti-extremism programme, in 2020, but the case was closed the same year.
Government Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the Government must be open to learning lessons from the investigation, particularly regarding Prevent. Changes were made after the 2024 mass stabbing in Southport.
Terror Threat Level Raised
The UK terrorism threat level has been raised to "severe" following the attack, meaning a terror attack is "highly likely." The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre announced the change on Thursday, noting that the threat level had been rising due to increased Islamist and extreme right-wing threats from individuals and small groups. The decision was not solely based on the Golders Green attack.
