A new video linked to the Golders Green stabbing reveals the suspect pacing down a street holding a knife and lunging at a passerby, as people in a car shout desperate warnings to others. The footage, filmed moments before two men were stabbed on Wednesday, shows a man holding a camera shouting in Hebrew from his vehicle and honking his horn while the suspect runs along the pavement with the weapon clearly visible.
Suspect Identified and Previous Referrals
The suspect has been named as Essa Suleiman, a 45-year-old man born in Somalia who came to the UK legally as a child in the 1990s. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed he was previously referred to the Government's counter-extremism programme, Prevent. The Metropolitan Police stated that a referral was made in 2020 but closed the same year. Prevent is a multi-agency programme that places a legal duty on public bodies to identify and support individuals who may turn to extremism.
Victims and Police Response
The two victims, Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Ben Baila, 76 (locally known as Moshe Shine), were rushed to hospital and are said to be in a stable condition. Police across the country have stepped up patrols in response to the attack, with Greater Manchester Police deploying extra officers in Jewish communities, and West Yorkshire and Thames Valley Police increasing patrols for reassurance.
Political Reaction and Community Concerns
Prime Minister Keir Starmer was heckled by protesters as he visited a Golders Green Jewish community ambulance centre to meet emergency services. He was joined by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, Home Secretary Mahmood, and local MP Sarah Sackman. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis called for meaningful action to tackle the root causes of antisemitism, while the Board of Deputies of British Jews demanded antisemitism be confronted with the full force of the state.
Ongoing Investigation
Counter-terrorism officers are searching an address in south-east London after it was reported the suspect had a prior altercation with another person. Police were called to an incident in Great Dover Street at around 8:50 am, where the suspect, armed with a knife, had an altercation with an occupant before leaving. The occupant suffered minor injuries. Police believe the same individual was arrested in Golders Green.
