Somali-Origin Man Charged Over London Stabbing of Two Jewish Men

LONDON — Police in north London say a 45-year-old British man of Somali origin attacked two Jewish men with a knife on Thursday in what investigators are treating as a suspected terrorist assault aimed at the Jewish community.

The violence unfolded in Golders Green, an area known for its large Jewish population. The victims, ages 76 and 34, were hospitalized and officials said both remained in stable condition.

London’s Metropolitan Police said officers deployed a Taser to restrain and arrest the suspect after he allegedly tried to strike out at the responding officers.

Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said early findings suggest the man may also have been connected to another violent episode earlier the same day in southeast London, where one person suffered minor injuries.

The BBC understands that the suspect being held after the Golders Green knife attack yesterday is 45-year-old Essa Suleiman from south-east London.

He was born in Somalia, but came to the UK as a child in the early 1990s. He came legally and is now a British citizen.

Rowley said the suspect had a background marked by serious violence and mental health problems, although police have not released additional details.

The attack has deepened alarm over a rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the United Kingdom, intensifying concern in Jewish communities already on edge.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders urged rapid action to strengthen security for Jewish communities overseas.

The British government said it would intensify efforts to protect the public, while some witnesses voiced anger and said authorities had failed to do enough to safeguard vulnerable communities.

Investigations are ongoing.

AXADLETM