Golders Green Stabbing Classified as Terrorist Attack; Two Jewish Men Hospitalised, Suspect Detained

On 29 April 2024, two Jewish men were stabbed on Highfield Avenue in Golders Green, London. Shilome Rand, 34, and Mosche Ben Baila, 76, were treated for chest and abdominal wounds, hospitalised. Metropolitan Police classified the incident as a terrorist act and arrested a 45-year-old national born in Somalia. Footage shows officers tasering suspect, removing knife and ordering him to “drop the knife” before handcuffing.

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08:50 – Responded to an altercation at Great Dover Street, Southwark, injuring a resident. 11:15 – CCTV shows suspect jogging on Highfield Avenue, approaching a man. 11:20 – Surveillance shows suspect near a bus stop, attacking a person. 11:23 – Officers taser suspect, removing knife and handcuffing him (body-camera).

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Victims: Shilome Rand (34) and Mosche Ben Baila (76). Suspect: 45-year-old national born in Somalia, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police: Metropolitan Police Service, led by Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. Government: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

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Commissioner Rowley said the suspect had a history of violence and mental-health problems and confirmed terrorism. Prime Minister Starmer called the attack part of a series of antisemitic incidents, voiced concern for community anxiety and will visit area. Metropolitan Police appealed for information, providing line (0800 555 111) and an online portal.

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Local residents reported fear walking in public, blaming perceived government inaction on rising antisemitic threats. A community member said many people felt afraid and accused officials of doing nothing.

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Victim Shilome Rand said an assailant approached and stabbed him in the chest, but he jumped back, limiting the injury to a single wound.

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The attack, declared a terrorist incident, follows a series of antisemitic attacks that have increased anxiety within the Jewish community. Officials noted concern for public safety and need for continued engagement with affected communities.

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Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s motive, any extremist affiliations, or detailed findings from the mental-health assessment, leaving key aspects of the investigation unresolved.

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• "I jumped back, so thankfully it was only one stab. It could have taken my life." — Shilome Rand

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• "All afternoon I’ve had calls and texts coming in, people are really afraid, people are uncomfortable walking in the streets." — Community Member

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• "Let’s be frank, this is not an isolated incident." — Sir Keir Starmer

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• "Police have asked anyone who may have information who could assist with their investigation to call them in confidence on 0800 555 111, or report it via www.gov.uk/ACT." — Metropolitan Police

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The investigation remains ongoing; police continue to seek information from the public. Prime Minister Starmer will visit the Golders Green community in the coming days.

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