Gunmaker Sentenced to 22 Years for Far-Right Race War Plot and Illegal Arms Trade
Thomas McKenna, a 60-year-old gunmaker, has been handed a 22-year prison sentence after being convicted of converting blank-firing guns into lethal weapons and plotting a far-right race war. McKenna used TikTok to disseminate hate-filled messages and was found to be preparing for violent conflict against Muslims and immigrants.
Illegal Weapons Manufacturing and Criminal Connections
Operating from his caravan in South Ockenden, Essex, McKenna utilized a lathe to transform blank-firing guns into firearms capable of discharging live ammunition. These weapons were intended for use by crime gangs throughout the United Kingdom. Police investigations led to the recovery of six converted guns, along with an improvised explosive device (IED) constructed from gunpowder and other hazardous materials.
Forensic evidence linked one of McKenna's weapons to Faisal Razzaq, a 44-year-old middleman arrested while en route to the Notting Hill Carnival. Razzaq, who had previously been released from prison after serving time for involvement in the 2005 killing of police officer Sharon Beshenivsky, admitted to conspiracy to sell prohibited firearms and faces an additional jail term.
Far-Right Ideology and Online Activity
Authorities discovered that McKenna's caravan was littered with weapons, including a gun disguised as a torch and manuals on manufacturing firearms and explosives. His online footprint revealed he was actively following anti-Muslim, far-right content on TikTok and engaging in discussions about instigating a race war. Chief Superintendent James Tipple, the lead investigator, stated that McKenna was "preparing for a race war" and stockpiling weapons and explosives with the intent to act on his extremist beliefs.
Although no specific target was identified, McKenna's arsenal included hollow-point bullets, which expand upon impact to cause maximum damage, and a converted deactivated AK-47 assault rifle. He admitted to 11 charges, including converting firearms and making explosives using terrorist guides.
Additional Convictions and Public Warning
Several associates were also convicted in connection with the case. Tina Smith, 55, received a seven-year sentence for possessing a prohibited firearm, making explosives, and collecting terrorist information. Allan Crosby, 44, from Sidcup, was sentenced to ten years for possessing an illegal weapon. Other individuals, including Robert Dorey and Patrick Loughnane, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell prohibited firearms.
DCS Tipple emphasized the danger posed by these individuals and urged the public to remain vigilant. He encouraged reporting any online content promoting similar extremist ideologies to assist law enforcement in gathering intelligence and preventing future incidents.
