Man Faces Terrorism-Linked Charges Following Edinburg Attacks

Man charged with terrorism linked attempted – Edinburgh has become the center of a legal and security investigation after a 36-year-old man was charged with five counts of attempted murder connected to terrorism. The incidents, which occurred on Friday night, left five individuals injured across multiple locations in the city. Lewis Hawkes, the accused, also faces additional charges including assault, robbery, breach of peace, and reckless conduct. All the charges were described as being “aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection” by authorities. Hawkes appeared in private at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where he did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody.

The Sequence of Attacks

The violence began near the Broomhouse Mosque, a key location in the city’s western district, at approximately 20:30. Two men, who were understood to have recently completed Asr prayer, were stabbed multiple times at Sighthill Park. They were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where their injuries, though serious, were not life-threatening. The attackers then moved to a Shell garage on Telford Road, about five miles from the mosque, at 21:15. A taxi parked there was vandalized, leaving it with shattered windows. An image from the scene showed a hatchet with a yellow and black handle resting in the back seat, suggesting a possible weapon used in the attack.

Shortly after, at 21:28, CCTV footage captured a man standing beside a black vehicle with its window broken at a BP garage on Ferry Road. The video depicted him entering the kiosk, overturning shelves, and scattering products across the floor. Minutes later, another clip obtained by BBC Scotland showed a bare-chested individual parking partially across a bike lane on Leith Walk. He carried two large weapons and chased a man on an e-bike before returning to his vehicle. The suspect then emerged again, running toward a man who had stepped off a tram and striking him repeatedly with two knives. The attacker fled the scene, leaving the victim on the ground.

The incident continued as the man reached a pizzeria, where he smashed the door several times before the restaurant lowered its electronic shutters. He then re-entered Leith Walk and targeted a delivery driver on an e-bike, causing the rider to fall off his vehicle. Police arrived shortly after the final attack, securing the area and investigating the sequence of events. The alleged assaults and robberies, along with the breach of peace, were all linked to the suspect’s alleged terrorist activities.

Community Impact and Government Response

First Minister John Swinney has responded to the attacks, calling them a “wake-up call” for Scotland regarding growing intolerance toward minorities. He expressed concern that the incidents might indicate a broader trend of hatred being “legitimised” in society. “These events should make us reflect on how far we’ve come in terms of unity and acceptance,” Swinney stated in a public address. “It is terrifying to think that such acts could be driven by prejudice being overlooked or even encouraged.”

“It is important that all communities across Scotland feel supported, protected and able to go about their daily lives without fear of hatred or intimidation,” said Supt Neil Wilson of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh division. He added that the attacks had raised concerns among faith groups, particularly after the police had spoken with over 90 multi-faith organizations in the city to assess the situation and provide reassurance.

Wilson emphasized the need for solidarity among communities, noting that the attacks could have heightened anxiety within certain groups. “We are working closely with religious and cultural leaders to ensure that no one feels isolated or targeted,” he said. The police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with counter-terror officers leading the effort to determine the motive and full extent of the suspect’s actions.

While the immediate injuries were not life-threatening, the attacks have sparked a wider debate about the role of terrorism in everyday violence. Hawkes, who is believed to have acted alone, has been linked to the incidents through his alleged use of weapons and the timing of the attacks. The sequence of events, from the mosque to the petrol station and pizzeria, suggests a coordinated effort, though officials have not yet confirmed any formal connections to extremist groups.

Residents and local leaders have expressed mixed reactions. Some have voiced fear, particularly in the wake of the assaults on Leith Walk, where the suspect’s actions were both aggressive and calculated. Others have called for unity, stressing that the attacks should not be used to scapegoat entire communities. “This is not just about one person or one ideology; it’s a reminder of the importance of standing together against fear,” said a community representative in a statement shared with BBC Scotland.

Investigation and Next Steps

Police Scotland has launched a comprehensive inquiry into the incidents, focusing on the suspect’s movements and potential ties to terrorism. The investigation has involved reviewing CCTV footage, analyzing the suspect’s behavior, and examining the weapons used. The hatchet found in the taxi has become a key piece of evidence, with experts noting its potential as a tool for both intimidation and violence.

Authorities are also exploring whether the attacks were part of a larger plan or a series of isolated acts. Hawkes’ alleged actions—stalking the prayer group, targeting public transport, and attacking businesses—have raised questions about his motives. However, without more information, the full context remains unclear. The suspect’s decision to remain silent in court may be a strategy to avoid immediate scrutiny, but it could also indicate a lack of awareness about the severity of his actions.

As the investigation continues, the police are working to connect the various incidents and determine if they were linked to a broader campaign. “We are not ruling out the possibility of a coordinated attack, but we are also looking at other factors,” Wilson explained. He reassured the public that the police would “keep a close watch on any developments” and that the community should “trust in the efforts to maintain safety and security.”

The attacks have left a lasting impression on the city, with some residents describing a sense of unease. While the immediate danger has passed, the events have highlighted the vulnerability of public spaces and the need for vigilance. Hawkes’ case will be closely followed, as it could set a precedent for how terrorism-related crimes are handled in Scotland. The legal process will now determine the full implications of his actions, as well as the broader message they send about intolerance and extremism in society.