Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Antisemitic Knife Attacks in London

A 45-year-old man has appeared in court charged with attempted murder following a knife attack on two Jewish men in the Golders Green area of northwest London. The incident, which occurred on April 29, 2026, has led authorities to declare the event a terrorist incident and raise the national terror threat level.

The attack took place at approximately 11:15 a.m. Near the Hagers Shul synagogue. According to reports from The Times, the suspect stabbed two men, injuring them multiple times before being subdued during a confrontation involving police officers and local volunteers. The victims were later identified by the Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis and are reported to be in stable condition.

Suspect Background and Investigation

The Metropolitan Police identified the suspect as a British national born in Somalia who arrived in the United Kingdom legally as a child during the 1990s. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed these details during a visit to the site of the attack on April 30, 2026.

Further investigations revealed that the suspect had a history of serious violence and mental health issues. Police confirmed that the individual had been referred to the government’s counter-extremism programme in 2020.

Community Reaction and Security Response

The attack has sparked significant concern regarding the safety of the Jewish community in Britain. Sir Ephraim Mirvis expressed alarm over the targeting of individuals who are visibly Jewish, stating that such people are not safe on British streets.

In response to the incident, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley visited Golders Green on April 30, 2026, to meet with community members.

The British police have pledged £25 million to enhance security for Jewish institutions and communities in the wake of the attack. Simultaneously, the government advised the general public to be alert, not alarmed as the terror threat level was increased following the Golders Green incident.