A 45-year-old British national born in Somalia has been charged with attempted murder following the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London. Essa Suleiman is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court after the charges were announced on Friday.
Details of the Attack
The victims, Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Ben Baila, 76, were taken to hospital with knife wounds on Tuesday morning. The attack has been declared a terrorist incident, prompting the UK to raise its terrorism threat level to 'severe,' meaning an attack is considered highly likely. Officials urge the public to 'be alert, but not alarmed.'
In addition to the attempted murder charge, Suleiman faces charges related to a separate stabbing on the same day and possession of a weapon.
Political Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited the scene on Thursday to meet first responders and community leaders. He was heckled by protesters who accused him of failing to protect Jews. Addressing the nation from Downing Street, Sir Keir stated: 'This government will do everything in our power to stamp this hatred out, we will strengthen our security and protect our Jewish community. But I also call on everyone decent in this country to open their eyes to Jewish pain, Jewish suffering and Jewish fear.'
Jewish leaders have warned that antisemitism is becoming normalised. The Campaign Against Antisemitism described the situation as a 'national emergency' and called for a timeline for action, saying 'words are no longer enough.'
Police and Community Reaction
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, urged the public to avoid speculation to ensure justice can run its course. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated that Jewish communities are 'under threat' due to a 'pandemic of antisemitism' that has been building for years.
Sir Mark also criticised Green Party leader Zack Polanski for sharing a post about the arrest of the suspect, calling it 'inaccurate and misinformed' and warning it would have a 'chilling effect.' A Green Party spokesperson responded that Polanski does not know the full picture and that more understanding of the response is needed.
Police are reviewing whether marches, including a planned demonstration for Nakba Day on 16 May, will be allowed to proceed in light of the raised threat level.
