21.06.2026 00:30
Attacks targeting Muslims in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, on Friday night caused major unrest in the city. In machete and knife attacks that took place at different locations, 5 people were injured, and an investigation was launched into the suspect taken into custody after the incident on suspicion of terrorist links. Following the events, the Muslim community in the city expressed security concerns, while police launched a large-scale investigation in the area.
The attacks that occurred in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, on Friday evening and are being investigated under suspicion of a terrorist connection have caused great concern in the city. Police stated that five people were injured in incidents at different locations and a 36-year-old suspect was taken into custody. While authorities are focusing on the possibility that the attacks may have targeted Muslims, counter-terrorism teams have also been included in the investigation.
ATTACKS BEGAN NEAR A MOSQUE
Police teams received the first report around 20:50 from the Sighthill and Broomhouse areas in western Edinburgh. According to information provided by authorities, two people were attacked and injured near a local mosque. The injured were taken to hospital by ambulances.
Following the attacks, new reports began coming in from different parts of the city. Within a short time, it was determined that three more people were attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk areas.
SUSPECT CAUSED CHAOS AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS
Images shared on social media showed a shirtless person holding a machete and a knife causing chaos at various points across the city.
The images showed the suspect causing material damage at a gas station, breaking the windows of a taxi, and damaging some workplaces. The suspect was also seen attacking the door of a pizzeria in the Leith Walk area, and moments later was subdued by police teams, captured on camera.
SHOUTED 'I AM PROTECTING THE COUNTRY'
In footage taken at the scene, the suspect, who was pinned to the ground by police, was reported to have shouted curses and said, 'I am protecting the country from these damned Muslim bastards raping our young girls.'
COUNTER-TERRORISM TEAMS INVOLVED
Scottish police announced that counter-terrorism units have been included in the investigation due to the nature of the incidents.
Deputy Chief Constable Catriona Paton described the events as a 'shocking attack' in a statement, saying, 'Scotland is at its strongest when we stand together. There is no place for racism or faith-based hatred here.'
MUSLIM COMMUNITY CONCERNED
Organizations representing Muslim communities expressed serious concern following the attacks.
The Scottish Association of Mosques (SAM) stated that two of the injured individuals were attacked after praying at the mosque. The statement highlighted that there has been an increase in hostile incidents targeting mosques and Muslims recently.
MEND, an organization combating Islamophobia, also announced that some of the injured belong to the Muslim community.
The Muslim Council of Britain stated in a statement that Muslims living in the city are 'understandably uneasy and worried' due to the events.
REACTIONS FROM POLITICIANS
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his sadness over the attacks and stated that the suspect appeared to have acted with anti-Muslim hatred.
Starmer said, 'I will not tolerate this. He will face the full force of the law.'
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney also condemned the attacks in a statement, emphasizing that there is no place for violence, racism, or intolerance in the country.
SECURITY MEASURES INCREASED IN THE CITY
Police increased security measures across Edinburgh following the incidents and stated that the investigation is ongoing. While authorities indicated there is no new threat to the public, it is reported that anxiety continues among Muslim communities in the city.