Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has sparked outrage after retweeting a post that suggested police officers who disarmed a terror suspect in Golders Green were acting with excessive force. The suspect, a British national of Somali descent, allegedly stabbed two Jewish men, Shilome Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, in what police have declared a terrorist attack motivated by anti-Semitism.
Police Response Criticized
The retweeted post claimed officers were 'violently kicking a mentally ill man in the head when he was already incapacitated by taser.' Polanski, who has expressed ambitions to become prime minister, shared this message despite bodycam footage showing the suspect advancing on officers while holding a knife and a backpack that police feared might contain explosives.
Political Backlash
Tory MP Neil O'Brien said, 'As usual, the Greens' sympathies are with the terrorist rather than the brave police officers stopping him.' Labour's Jonathan Hinder added, 'Polanski hates the brave police officers who stopped this. He's more concerned about the antisemitic terrorist with a knife in his hand!'
Family Concerns
The Daily Mail revealed that Polanski's own family members fear they would be forced to leave the UK if he became prime minister. Born into a Jewish family in Salford, Polanski has faced criticism for steering the Greens toward alleged Islamist and far-Left activists. A relative said, 'He's currently the leader of the future Islamic party of Britain... There would be no place for Jews in an Islamic state of Britain.'
Community Reaction
The Jewish Greens, which Polanski once belonged to, said the party's motion alleging 'Zionism is racism' was an attack on the right to a safe life. The Campaign Against Antisemitism accused the Greens of 'amplifying some of the worst rhetoric in British politics in a generation.'
Police Bravery Commended
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley praised officers for their bravery, noting they confronted a violent suspect they feared might be carrying explosives. 'Using only their training, courage and Tasers, they detained him while he continued to try to attack and stab them,' Rowley said. He also highlighted a rise in antisemitic hate crime and vowed to pursue those who act out of hatred.
The suspect, known to the Prevent de-radicalisation scheme and with a history of serious violence and mental health issues, remains in custody. Both victims are in stable condition in hospital.
