Published on 6/23/2026
A Scottish man appeared – yesterday, Monday – before a court in Edinburgh, on suspicion of responsibility for attacks that occurred last week in the Scottish capital, and were considered to be of an anti-Muslim nature. These attacks resulted in the injury of 5 people, while the prosecution said that the incidents had “terrorist links.”
The authorities charged Lewis Hawkes (36 years old) with five attempted murders under “aggravating circumstances due to terrorist links,” according to the Attorney General’s Office in Scotland.
At the conclusion of the closed session, the court decided to keep the suspect in pretrial detention, awaiting his appearance before the court within 8 days.
Hawkes was also charged with other charges, including robbery using violence, disturbing public order, and intentionally endangering the lives of others.
Violent attacks
Last Friday, Scottish police announced that they had received several late emergency calls, during which witnesses reported violent attacks that included threats, theft, and vandalism in various parts of Edinburgh, resulting in five people being injured.
The police reported that the injured suffered various injuries, and 3 of them were taken to the hospital to receive treatment, while medical teams confirmed that their condition was stable and there was no danger to their lives.
Footage posted online showed a shirtless man wandering the streets of the Scottish capital carrying a large knife. The Islamic Participation and Development Organization said that the circulating footage shows a suspect chanting slogans about “protecting the country” from Muslims, using language full of insults.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) suggested that the attacks began near a mosque, where two people were injured.
Feedback
The attacks sparked angry political reactions at the highest level, as resigned British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote – in a post on the “X” platform – that “the suspect was – apparently – motivated by hatred against Muslims.”
Scottish Prime Minister John Swinney expressed his deep concern about the incident, stressing that “there is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in Scotland.”
In the same context, British Justice Minister Shabana Mahmoud expressed her shock, stressing that violence directed against Muslims does not reflect the values of society.
Katrina Paton, Deputy Commissioner of the Scottish Police, sought to reassure all segments of society, stressing full support, and that Scotland clearly rejects racism and religious hatred.
These attacks come in light of escalating tensions across the United Kingdom over immigration and diversity issues, amid accusations against the far right of fueling racist sentiment after a number of incidents.
