London, England – April 29, 2026 – Metropolitan Police have officially declared the stabbing of two men in Golders Green as a terrorism-related incident. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday morning, saw a 45-year-old British national, born in Somalia, allegedly target visibly Jewish individuals. The suspect is reported to have a history of serious violence and mental health issues, according to Commissioner Mark Rowley. He faces charges of attempted murder against three people.
Ashkan Asadian, who intervened during the assault, described his actions as an attempt to save a life, stating, "I was trying to save a life." Asadian recounted rushing to the aid of Moshe Shine, a 76-year-old man, fearing for his life and attempting to disarm the attacker. He emphasized that at the moment of intervention, thoughts of geopolitics or personal danger did not cross his mind.
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The incident has intensified concerns within the Jewish community, with some figures asserting that attacks on British Jews constitute an attack on Britain itself. Police are also investigating separate arson attacks on two synagogues and a memorial wall, potentially linked to the broader context of escalating antisemitic incidents.
The suspect, apprehended after a confrontation with officers, was reportedly en route to stab "visibly Jewish" looking people. While an Iran-linked group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, has claimed responsibility, law enforcement has not yet confirmed this link. The suspect, who arrived in the UK as a child in the early 1990s, is currently in police custody following hospital treatment. Searches are ongoing at a London address.
Local MP and justice minister Sarah Sackman confirmed the Prime Minister had convened a Cobra meeting in response to the attack, and opposition leader Keir Starmer planned discussions with criminal justice agencies. Public figures, including Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, have voiced strong condemnation and called for increased protection for the Jewish community.
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This event follows a pattern of what is described as antisemitic attacks in the capital, with local charity security groups and emergency services acknowledged for their swift response. The Metropolitan Police are continuing their investigation, examining the suspect's background and potential terrorist connections.