Leeds crossbow attacker praised Christchurch terrorist online, planned massacre

April 29, 2025 Article

The sole suspect in a crossbow attack that badly injured two women in Leeds, who counter-terror police had identified as having died of a self-inflicted wound, shared a screed promising a massacre that drew inspiration from the Christchurch terrorist who murdered 51 Muslims in New Zealand in 2019.

Police had detained 38-year-old Owen Lawrence after two women, aged 19 and 31, suffered serious injuries following a crossbow attack on Otley Road in Headingley on Saturday.

Counter-terror police had assumed the lead in the investigation, concluding that Lawrence had written a screed on Facebook indicating a list of targets and citing the Christchurch terrorist as inspiration.

The two women received hospital treatment, one of whom faced life-threatening injuries but now remains in stable condition, as staff discharged the other woman.

Various Facebook posts from two accounts linked to Owen Lawrence paint a disturbing image of a man driven by misogyny and far-right views, who also displayed a deep fascination and admiration for mass murderers, including the Columbine and Saugus High School shooters. Lawrence declared his admiration for other mass shooters, including Pekka-Eric Auvinen, a Finnish school shooter who praised Hitler and murdered six fellow pupils, the principal and the school nurse in 2007.

Over several years, Owen Lawrence praised or drew attention to various far-right terrorists, including Anders Breivik in 2021, Stephan Balliet (in 2021 and 2023, respectively), and the Christchurch terrorist (2025).

In different posts, across various years, he discussed the far-right conspiracy of the so-called “Great Replacement” and how the Christchurch terrorist’s 74-page white supremacist screed shaped his extremist worldview.

He also admitted to enjoying “flirting with far right ideas.”

Lawrence openly praised other mass shooters, including Randy Stair, adding that he “identified with him a lot.”

In November 2023, Lawrence changed his Facebook cover photo to an image of himself performing a Nazi salute. Months earlier, he admitted watching Balliet’s synagogue terror attack in Germany on a now-defunct gore website, which we are declining to name as a mirrored and active version of the website still exists.

Around that time in early November 2023, he alluded to a possible arrest over an alleged assault, suggesting that his recent beard growth related to him appearing in a police lineup, as he ranted about “defending himself”. It is unclear, however, if such an arrest did occur or how much West Yorkshire Police knew about Lawrence before the crossbow attack.

On April 22, 2024, he shared a Vice News video about the terrifying phenomena of the far-right conspiracy of the so-called “Great Replacement”, which inspired various acts of terrorism and mass violence with the caption, “thinking about making a change.”

Credit: Facebook

In 2022, he ranted against the “rats” undermining society, and evoked antisemitic conspiracies with references to so-called “cultural Marxism.”

Lawrence called feminism a “cancer” and wrote openly about his hatred of gender equality and all forms of feminism and his hatred of bisexual relationships, celebrities and society. His Facebook screed listed his attack plan as “spree killings, mass murder, terrorism, and misogynistic rage.”

In a statement, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: “Officers will continue to conduct enquiries and we ask that if anyone has information that may assist, to pass this to police.

“We understand there are concerns around the incident and questions about how and why this has happened. Our teams are committed to carrying out an in-depth investigation to provide answers to those affected.

“We continue to work closely with West Yorkshire Police to support the local community and thank residents for their support and understanding over the weekend.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this incident.”

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Categories: Christchurch, Far Right groups, Misogny, News, West Yorkshire Police

‘Nazi’ accused of planning terror attacks discussed torturing imam, jury told

April 20, 2025 Article

One of three “Nazis” accused of planning terrorist attacks discussed torturing a Muslim leader using his “information extraction kit” with an undercover officer, a jury had been told.

Prosecutors have told Sheffield Crown Court that Christopher Ringrose, 34, Marco Pitzettu, 25, and Brogan Stewart, 25, were “right-wing extremists” who were preparing to use firearms, explosives and a range of bladed weapons in attacks on mosques and synagogues when they were arrested in February 2024.

On Thursday, Jonathan Sandiford KC, prosecuting, told the court how Stewart discussed his thinking with an undercover officer he called Blackheart on the Telegram platform.

A month before he was arrested, Stewart told Blackheart they needed to establish a “new einsatzgruppe”, which was a reference to Adolf Hitler’s notorious SS death squad, Mr Sandiford said.

Stewart told the officer: “I can’t wait to hang me a paki… Hate them bro… they’re a cancer that needs stamping out… F****** everywhere mate.

“Place is crawling with them… We need to establish a new einsatzgruppe to deal with it… it’s the only way to secure the future of the white race.”

Stewart later told Blackheart: “Open warfare will be exceedingly hard. I suppose if target people of import first. Such as local imams who will probably be giving orders to foot soldiers.”

The defendant explained to the officer how he had a “information extraction kit”, which included a blow torch, pliers, gaffer tape, a screwdriver, bleach and a syringe.

According to the prosecutor, Stewart said: “A couple of hours working on him will have the c*** singing out anything we want him to”.

And he added that nothing “loosened up” people “like seeing a syringe filled with bleach”.

Mr Staniford explained how Stewart set up a group called Einsatz 14 with him as “Fuhrer” and Blackheart as the “Obergruppenfuhrer”, which the other two defendants also joined.

He said that when Blackheart asked him about the group’s ideology, Stewart replied: “Personally, I’ve taken inspiration from the SS”, and added: “I also hope that we can extort political rivals and potentially plan operations to meet migrants landing on our beaches and deal with them.

“As the race war comes to unfold I’d expect members to stand by, wait for orders and deploy to combat our…”

The court heard that Stewart sent the officer a list of “standard uniform” for Einsatz 14 which included a Black SS helmet, “mask, balaclava, skull face mask or anything to hide identity” as well as a Swastika armband, although the defendant said this was “Not a given. It must be earned”.

Mr Sandiford said potential recruits were sent a vetting form with questions such as: “What is your opinion on the historic paramilitary force, the SS?” and “Out of so many different options, who would you say you hold most of your hatred for – kikes, n******, shitskins, fags etc and why”.

Stewart asked Ringrose to join the group, asking him: “This is a militant unit. Are you willing to fight for your race?”

Mr Sandiford said Ringrose replied with a GIF saying: “That’s why I’m here.”

Ringrose’s completed vetting form confirmed that he hated “Shitskin c**** coming on dingys” and “Jews because they run everything and manipulate the masses”, the prosecutor told the jury.

Pitzettu’s form said that the “SS were proud men who believed in their country” and that he “had a location filled with weaponry”.

Mr Sandiford said three of the seven members of Einsatz 14 were undercover officers.

He told the court that Stewart developed a mission statement for the group which said its “basic duties” included to “target mosques, Islamic education centres and other similar locations”.

Mr Sandiford told the jury the group discussed potential targets at the end of January 2024.

He told the court Stewart sent Blackheart details of the Islamic Education Centre on Mexborough Road in Leeds, including a Google Maps image.

The officer asked Stewart for more detailed information about the plan and he replied that they could smash windows or ambush someone, the court heard.

According to Mr Sandiford, Stewart said: “It depends how far we are willing to go. It could be a beating with batons and bats or something more serious.”

The jury has heard how the trio were arrested in February 2024 after security services believed they were gathering or trying to gather weapons for an imminent attack.

Mr Sandiford has also told them that Ringrose had begun to build a 3D printed semi-automatic firearm and was trying to acquire the remaining parts.

He told the court in March 2025 that “these three defendants were right-wing extremists who regarded themselves as National Socialists, or Nazis”.

Ringrose, of Cannock, Staffordshire; Pitzettu, of Mickleover, Derbyshire; and Stewart, of Tingley, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, deny a charge of preparing acts of terrorism and charges of collecting information likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism.

Ringrose also denies manufacturing a prohibited weapon.

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Categories: Brogan Stewart, Christopher Ringrose, imam, Marco Pitzettu, Muslim leader, Nazi, News, terror attacks, torture

Hate crime investigation into Muslim grave desecrations ongoing in Hertfordshire

April 17, 2025 Article

Hertfordshire Police reassured local Muslims and communities at a public meeting in Bushey that they are investigating the abhorrent desecration of 61 Muslim graves as an Islamophobic hate crime.

Officers responded to the widespread desecration of graves and plaques, many belonging to babies and children, at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Hertfordshire – in an area reserved for Muslim burial on April 13.

Police revised the figures, initially thought to total 85, during the public meeting the Bushey Islamic Circle organised yesterday (April 16). Those in attendance included police, faith leaders, and the families impacted.

The thorough investigation has not yet identified suspects, nor have witnesses come forward. Still, officers are carrying out forensic work, stepped-up patrols around the cemetery, and increased visibility of officers around other local areas.

Funeral planner Hussain Sadiq, who attended the meeting, said: “One of the worst parts of this tragedy is the majority of the damage has been to graves of babies and children,” the BBC reported.

The chairman of Bushey United Synagogue also attended the public meeting in a show of support and solidarity.

A member of Tell MAMA’s outreach team attended the meeting to speak with those impacted, police officers, council officers, and others in attendance and offer our support.

In a statement, Councillor Muhammed Butt, who leads Brent Council, which owns the Watford-based cemetery, made clear: “We will reinstate the damaged name plaques and return Carpenders Park Lawn cemetery to a peaceful, quiet place of remembrance as quickly as possible, once the Police have finished their investigation.”

He condemned the desecration and said, “This is a very serious incident, and we continue to work closely with Hertfordshire Police to inform family members and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Harrow Council Leader Cllr Paul Osborn said in a statement: “This affects our Muslim community here in Harrow who have loved ones buried at this site. My thoughts are with all those affected by this horrendous act of vandalism which Hertfordshire Police have confirmed as an Islamophobic hate crime.”

Days earlier, in a statement via her funeral provider, Alicia Hussain, the damage to her daughter’s grave raised “disturbing questions” and how it proved “cruel, cold, and deeply violating,” which left her “shattered”, the Watford Observer reported.

Fozie, another local resident, who recently buried her husband, told the local press, “Thankfully my husband’s grave was unaffected but to see the destruction of children’s graves was callous and pure evil. How are these people allowed to get away with this? It’s incomprehensible.”

Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson, who heads Hertfordshire’s Local Policing Command, sought to reassure Muslim communities, stating, “We would like to reassure those affected, and the wider Muslim community, that we are continuing to treat this crime extremely seriously.”

We will continue to liaise directly with the police and Brent Council and endeavour to provide further updates where possible. We are also extending our offer of emotional support and access to our free counselling service.

Some impacted families reached out to Tell MAMA for support, and given the immense emotional pain the families are experiencing, we want to ensure everyone feels supported.

On social media, we received a small number of reports detailing horrendous language, dehumanising anti-Muslim tropes, and calls for more vandalism, as many others stood in solidarity and condemned the heinous, cowardly acts.

More broadly, Tell MAMA’s most recent report documented a sharp rise in vandalism cases to our service, including the abhorrent vandalism of Muslim graves in Burnley following the horrific Southport stabbings and murders amid far-right violence and rioting.

We urge anyone with information to call 101, quoting Op Lunate. Tell MAMA can pass information forward on your behalf or anonymously.

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Categories: Carpenders Park Lawn cemetery, grave descecration, hate crime, Muslim graves, News, Watford

Life term for Muslim convert who planned attacks on mosque and military targets

April 11, 2025 Article

A Muslim convert who researched military locations and threatened to “flatten” a mosque in a terror attack has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 16 years.

Jason Savage was found guilty in January of plotting to stab an Islamic cleric who was an outspoken critic of terrorism, after jurors were shown footage of him filming a reconnaissance “mission” near a mosque and Islamic bookstore.

The 35-year-old, of Fourth Avenue, Small Heath, Birmingham, was jailed at the city’s Crown Court on Friday after a judge said messages he had sent showed that he believed he would die while committing a terrorist attack.

Passing sentence on Savage, High Court Judge Mrs Justice Farbey said she was sure the defendant had identified the police and military as targets but that his “primary focus” was the Birmingham-based cleric.

The judge told Savage, who suffers from an emotionally unstable personality disorder: “I am sure that you were actively planning an Isis-inspired lone wolf attack, meaning that you were not a member of Isis but were motivated to carry out a violent attack by yourself.

“I am sure that you were ready and willing to carry out a deadly attack by using a knife.”

The judge said the offending in the case was so serious that a life sentence was required, adding: “I accept you may not always be able to exercise appropriate judgement in the heat of the moment, however your offending took place over a number of days and cannot be described as impulsive.”

Video footage released by West Midlands Police after Savage was convicted showed him filming reconnaissance near a mosque in Wright Street, Small Heath, Birmingham, in March last year.

On the video, Savage recorded himself saying: “That seems like the best way to get away – the police will probably come from that way.”

As well as charting different routes into the mosque, Savage, who had adapted the handle of a knife found at his home, was heard to say: “Just needs the means now.

“Ask Allah to give man the means bro.”

A three-week trial was told Savage was arrested shortly after sending online messages to someone he did not know was an undercover officer, saying he was waiting to see what “opportunities come to present itself”.

Jurors also heard that Savage had taken screenshots of the West Midlands Police headquarters, police stations in Perry Barr and Stechford and various military locations in Birmingham, and told the undercover officer he was putting his neck on a “chopping block”.

Prosecutors said Savage, who converted to Islam in 2012, carried out reconnaissance with a view to attacking a cleric, bookstore and mosque in the Small Heath area, whose approach to the Salafi movement was “entirely at odds” with his own.

The mosque, store and publishing house advocated a strand of Salafism that stresses the importance of non-involvement in social or political activism, the court heard, while the cleric was an “outspoken critic” of Islamist terrorism, arguing that it was entirely incompatible with the true essence of Islam.

At some point in early 2024, the trial heard, Savage broke the handle off a kitchen knife and replaced it with cloth, before changing his social media status to “Lone Wolf”.

Shortly before his arrest, Savage had messaged the undercover officer, referring to seeing him in “paradise” and telling him he would send him videos over the “next couple of days” which he asked be “propagated” to reach the right people.

Savage, who was convicted of a single count of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts on or before March 14 last year, said “no problem” as he was led away to the cells.

The sentencing judge was told his criminal history started with a 2002 arson conviction, when he was aged 12, before convictions for 20 other offences, including a violent armed robbery.

Prosecutor Peter Ratliff said Savage had in the past set fire to furniture in his cell and posted social media messages saying he was delighted to hear prison staff had been “stabbed up” after what he claimed was a plot against Muslim inmates.

Savage has also been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following childhood trauma, the court was told.

Commenting on the case, Bethan David, head of the Counter Terrorism Division of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Jason Savage actively plotted to attack a cleric whose views he disagreed with, and other people.

“The CPS will continue to work to ensure those that plan to commit violent acts in the name of ideology and extremism are prosecuted.”

Categories: John Savage, Military targets, mosque, Muslim Convert, News, Post traumatic stress disorder

Life term for Muslim convert who planned attacks on mosque and military targets

April 11, 2025 Article

A Muslim convert who researched military locations and threatened to “flatten” a mosque in a terror attack has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 16 years.

“I am sure that you were ready and willing to carry out a deadly attack by using a knife.”

Video footage released by West Midlands Police after Savage was convicted showed him filming reconnaissance near a mosque in Wright Street, Small Heath, Birmingham, in March last year.

On the video, Savage recorded himself saying: “That seems like the best way to get away – the police will probably come from that way.”

As well as charting different routes into the mosque, Savage, who had adapted the handle of a knife found at his home, was heard to say: “Just needs the means now.

“Ask Allah to give man the means bro.”

At some point in early 2024, the trial heard, Savage broke the handle off a kitchen knife and replaced it with cloth, before changing his social media status to “Lone Wolf”.

Savage, who was convicted of a single count of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts on or before March 14 last year, said “no problem” as he was led away to the cells.

The sentencing judge was told his criminal history started with a 2002 arson conviction, when he was aged 12, before convictions for 20 other offences, including a violent armed robbery.

Savage has also been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following childhood trauma, the court was told.

“The CPS will continue to work to ensure those that plan to commit violent acts in the name of ideology and extremism are prosecuted.”

Categories: John Savage, Military targets, mosque, Muslim Convert, News, Post traumatic stress disorder

Coursing a Path of Independence from Government

April 1, 2025 Article

Over the last 13 years, we at Tell MAMA have been carrying out our work in monitoring and helping victims of anti-Muslim hate on a year-by-year grant-funding basis. The annual grant funding was supported and provided by successive Conservative administrations, and we thank them for their commitment to our work and their dedicated support during this period.

Over the last 6 months, however, we have been left in the uncomfortable and unsettling position of having no guarantee of further direct grant funding from the Ministry for Communities, Housing and Local Government (MHCLG). We have been concerned about decisions that have been made on the future funding of Tell MAMA during this period, particularly at a time when we recorded the highest numbers of anti-Muslim hate cases since Tell MAMA was founded in 2011. In addition, we have been subjected to malicious campaigns to undermine our work, including being the subject of hate and abuse targeting the project and our staff, threatening their safety and security, which have been reported to the relevant authorities. Whatever the reasons behind these campaigns, the people responsible for them have given no thought to victims of anti-Muslim hate whom we have served with dedication over the past 13 years.

We are saddened that the very service that has trained police forces, statutory authorities and civil society organisations, whilst highlighting the depth, scope and impact of anti-Muslim hate since 2011, has had to go through these significant insecurities and challenges over the last 6 months.

Following discussions with the MHCLG, Tell MAMA has received an offer of an extension of funding from the MHCLG covering the next 6 months (April-September 2025), together with confirmation from the MHCLG that it has full confidence in Tell MAMA and its work, for which we are grateful. However, for the reasons outlined above, and in order to strengthen our independence from central Government, Tell MAMA has taken the decision to turn down this offer. Also, we will not be applying for any future tenders from MHCLG on this work.

We would like to thank Lord Khan of Burnley in particular for his part in our discussions with the MHCLG and his expression of support for Tell MAMA in ensuring the offer of further funding. His determination to tackle anti-Muslim hate is heartening and motivating and we value his desire to make a positive impact in this area of work.

We will continue to monitor cases of anti-Muslim hate, whilst supporting victims of anti-Muslim hate and striving to meet the needs of British Muslims affected by it. We believe that this is crucially important at a time when the volume of anti-Muslim hate online has increased and where anti-Muslim hate appears to be fast becoming normalised politically. However, we will also seek to repurpose and refocus our support services in the next 3 months, without taking away from our work ensuring that victims of anti-Muslim hate have the access to access to justice to which they are entitled. We believe that our newfound independence from Government will ensure that we are able to review our services and re-assess where we can ensure maximal impact in this area of work.

Finally, we would like to add that work on countering anti-Muslim hate should not be an afterthought, but central to decision planning within the MHCLG if it is to ensure that Muslim communities are properly protected whilst also supporting social cohesion on a national basis. We are proud to have worked with over 50,000 British Muslims since 2011 – the true heroes striving for justice and ensuring that perpetrators of anti-Muslim hate are held to account.

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Categories: anti-Muslim hate, British Muslims, grant funding, hate monitoring, MHCLG, News