The Metropolitan Police have released body camera footage capturing the moment officers apprehended the suspect behind a terrorist attack in north London, in which two men were stabbed.
Attack Details
Two individuals, aged 76 and 34, were stabbed shortly after 11am on Wednesday, April 29 in Golders Green. One victim, Shilome Rand, was stabbed in the chest while leaving a synagogue. The stabbings represent the latest in a string of attacks targeting the Jewish community across London.
A 45-year-old man, identified as a British national of Somali origin, remains in custody after being Tasered by officers, reports the Mirror.
Footage Shows Arrest
The footage released by the Met captures the moments leading up to his arrest. Officers can be heard repeatedly demanding the suspect "drop the knife" before a Taser is deployed and he collapses to the ground. He is persistently instructed to "drop the knife" as the force claims he attempted to attack and stab them. Amidst the commotion, a voice can be heard saying "yeah I got it" as the knife flies to the right of the suspect, who remains on the ground. The footage concludes with the suspect being placed in handcuffs as he is informed he is under arrest on suspicion of attempted murder.
Alongside the footage posted online, the Met stated: "Watch as police officers confront a man suspected of carrying out a terrorist attack in north London where two men were stabbed. The suspect refused to show his hands, was violent and continued to pose a clear threat. Using only their training, courage and tasers, they detained him while he continued to try to attack and stab them. This took true courage."
Police Commissioner's Praise
These remarks echo sentiments expressed earlier by Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who heaped praise on the officers following a personal meeting with them. "They are nothing short of extraordinary," he said. "They will tell you they were simply doing their jobs, but without their bravery, I dread to think what the outcome could have been."
Community Reaction
The assault has sent shockwaves through the local community, with Jewish leaders asserting that 'this feels relentless'. Numerous prominent political figures have also voiced their 'concern' in the wake of the incident, with Prince William and Kate stating they are monitoring the situation closely and "are, of course, concerned about the attacks upon the Jewish community."
Victim Rand, who remains hospitalised while receiving treatment for his wounds, told ITV News: "People are really concerned, people are afraid, people are uncomfortable walking in the street, people are blaming obviously the government for not doing anything about what's going on. It's for the past few months really that our community is suffering from these type of attacks. And now it's going on and trying to take people's lives and it's really terrible. The government, they are the ones that are able to take care of the problems. And they are not doing their job."
