Nathan Newby's Act of Kindness Prevents Hospital Bombing in Leeds
In a remarkable display of courage and compassion, Nathan Newby has publicly recounted for the first time his encounter with Mohammad Farooq at St James's Hospital in Leeds in 2023. Newby, who is set to receive the George Medal for his bravery, managed to talk Farooq out of detonating a bomb in the maternity wing, with the would-be attacker asking for a cuddle before standing down.
Details of the Life-Saving Intervention
Mohammad Farooq, a clinical support worker who took a viable pressure cooker bomb into the hospital with the intent to "kill as many nurses as possible," was jailed for at least 37 years last year. During the incident, after asking for a cuddle, Farooq instructed Newby to "phone the police before I change my mind." Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, the judge who sentenced Farooq, praised Newby's "decency and kindness," stating it prevented an atrocity in a major British hospital's maternity wing. She added that Newby's evidence was "among the most remarkable this court has ever heard."
Newby's Perspective and Actions
Newby, 35, from Leeds, described himself as someone who was "just in the right place at the right time." He believed Farooq was "probably a nice guy" going through difficult times. On the night of January 20, 2023, Newby, a patient at the hospital, went outside for a vape and fresh air when he noticed Farooq swaying with his hands in his pockets. Concerned, Newby approached him to offer support, asking, "How are you, pal? Are you alright?"
Over the course of their conversation, Farooq revealed his plan for revenge and showed Newby the bomb. Newby, though scared, focused on moving Farooq away from the building to minimize potential harm. He assessed the bomb's radius and guided Farooq to nearby benches, ensuring that if it detonated, it would only damage the doors, not the entire structure.
The Emotional Exchange and Aftermath
Newby and Farooq spent several hours talking, with Farooq sharing details about his family and children. Farooq asked for a cuddle multiple times, which Newby granted without judgment. Newby reflected, "I don't judge anybody. Everybody's different and unique in their own ways aren't they?" He added that Farooq seemed "normal" and likely a nice person whose mind was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Farooq was identified during his trial as a self-radicalised lone wolf terrorist inspired by the Islamic State group. He targeted the hospital due to a long-running grievance with nurses on his ward, where he had worked as a clinical support worker.
Recognition and Legacy
On Wednesday, Newby will be awarded the George Medal, the second-highest civilian gallantry award, for his life-saving actions. His story highlights the power of empathy and quick thinking in preventing violence, serving as an inspiration in the face of terrorism.
