Arabic version: رجل متهم بمحاولة القتل في حادث طعن بلندن

UK police have charged a 45-year-old man in connection with the stabbing of two Jewish men in north London. Essa Suleiman has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of a bladed article in a public place. The charges come after a suspected terrorist incident, as authorities have raised the national terrorism threat to its second-highest level, indicating a high likelihood of a terrorist attack within the next six months. According to ABC News, the stabbing occurred in Golders Green, an area with a significant Jewish population, and follows a series of incidents targeting Jewish premises in the vicinity.

The attack left a 34-year-old man and a 76-year-old man hospitalized. The younger victim has since been released, while the older victim remains in stable condition. Suleiman, a British national originally from Somalia, is also charged with attempted murder related to a separate incident earlier that same day in south London. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Following the attack, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to take stronger measures to protect the Jewish community, which numbers around 290,000 in Britain. The increase in the terrorism threat level is not only a response to the stabbing but reflects a broader concern about rising antisemitic incidents, particularly linked to pro-Palestinian protests. The Interior Minister, Shabana Mahmood, noted that the UK has been facing a growing terrorist threat for some time.

In light of these events, police are reviewing upcoming pro-Palestinian marches to determine if additional restrictions are necessary to ensure public safety. While authorities do not have the power to ban protests outright, they can impose movement restrictions to maintain order. Metropolitan Police chief Mark Rowley emphasized the commitment to enhancing safety in London during this challenging period.