Surveillance footage released by police shows the moments leading up to the arrest of a 36-year-old man suspected in a series of anti-Muslim attacks across Edinburgh, Scotland, on Friday, June 20, 2026. The man, who was shirtless and brandishing two large knives, allegedly injured five people before being detained.
Suspect's Arrest and Statement
During his arrest, the man screamed that he was 'protecting the country,' according to videos circulating on social media. Police have charged him in connection with the attacks, though the specific charges have not yet been disclosed.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton of Police Scotland called it a 'shocking attack' and emphasized that 'there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together.'
Details of the Attacks
According to Scottish police, five people were injured in various incidents across Edinburgh. Two of the victims had been at a prayer session at a mosque in Broomhouse about 30 minutes before they were attacked. The victims' ages are 22, 22, 24, 27, and 39, police stated. Four were treated in hospital, but none of the injuries were life-threatening.
The CCTV footage, obtained by the BBC, shows a shirtless man driving erratically before ditching his vehicle. He then attacks a Black man who had just exited a streetcar, hitting him with two large knives. The victim runs away as the suspect chases him. The suspect then punches the door of a pizzeria on Leith Walk before attacking a delivery driver, who falls off his e-bike. Police arrive on the scene and arrest the suspect.
Extent of Violence
Police believe the suspect traveled from Sighthill to a gas station on Telford Road, where a taxi driver was confronted and his vehicle was damaged with an axe thrown through its window. Additional videos on social media show the topless man smashing the windshield of a black car and entering a gas station to push shelves over.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, stating the suspect 'appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law,' as reported by Al Jazeera.
