London Stabbing: Police Confirm Terrorism Link

London authorities declared a knife attack against two Jewish men in Golders Green on Wednesday a terrorist incident, leading to the arrest of a 45-year-old British national on suspicion of attempted murder. The incident prompted Britain to raise its national threat level from “substantial” to “severe” on Thursday, indicating a high likelihood of an attack within the next six months. The two victims, aged 34 and 76, are in stable condition after receiving treatment for stab wounds.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley stated that the attack is part of a recent surge in antisemitic hate crimes in London, including previous arson attacks on Jewish charity ambulances and synagogues. Rowley also noted that some individuals are being encouraged or paid by foreign organizations to commit acts of violence.

An online Islamist group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, claimed responsibility for the attack via Telegram, though authorities have not confirmed the claim or direct links to state actors like Iran.

The suspect, born in Somalia and a British national, has a history of serious violence and mental health issues and had previously been referred to the government’s Prevent program, which aims to counter radicalization. In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged a “swift and visible” response and the government announced an additional 25 million pounds ($33.7 million) for increased police patrols and security measures for Jewish communities.