Edinburgh Attacks: Police Investigate Anti-Muslim Motive After Five Injured
Counterterrorism detectives in Scotland are investigating a series of attacks in Edinburgh that left five men injured and appeared to target Muslims, police said on Saturday, June 20.
Police Scotland reported that a 36-year-old man was arrested late on Friday after officers responded to multiple reports of assaults in the west and north of the city. The victims — two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27 and 39 — sustained various injuries, with three requiring hospital treatment. None of the injuries is life-threatening.
The charity Muslim Engagement and Development confirmed that several of the injured are Muslim. The Scottish Association of Mosques stated that two of the men were attacked after attending prayers at their local mosque.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the suspect "appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred." In a post on social media platform X, Starmer added, "I will not tolerate this — he will face the full force of the law."
Video footage shared online appeared to show a shirtless man carrying a long weapon walking along a street and striking a restaurant door. Another clip seemed to show the same man on the ground shouting about "protecting the country" while being restrained by a police officer.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described herself as "horrified by news of the attack in Edinburgh" and said, "There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims. I know it is not who we are as a country."
The Muslim Council of Britain expressed concern, saying the Muslim community is "rightly nervous and worried." It added that the violence is "a direct consequence of political rhetoric that demonises entire communities."
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton called the incident "shocking" and noted that officers are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing. "I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in Scotland, which is at its best when we stand together," she said.
