Story perspectives

Scotland PM Announces Impact Study After Anti-Muslim Mosque Attack

6/23/2026

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Swinney Announces Assessment

First Minister John Swinney visited Broomhouse Mosque and announced a community impact assessment following the attacks.
Lewis Hawkes, 36, was charged with five terrorism-linked counts of attempted murder after Edinburgh attacks that injured five people.
Police said the attacks were motivated by anti-Muslim hatred, injuring several Muslim community members.
Police Scotland closed Leith Walk, deployed counter-terrorism officers, and noted none of injuries were life-threatening.

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Hawkes Charged

Lewis Hawkes faces assault, robbery, breach of the peace and reckless conduct charges, each aggravated by terrorism.
A 36-year-old Edinburgh man, Lewis Hawkes, was charged with five terrorism-linked attempted-murder counts and remains in custody.
Police Superintendent Neil Wilson said an impact assessment is under way to protect Scottish communities.
Authorities reported none of the injuries from the attacks were life-threatening.

History

Historical Context

The 7 July 2005 suicide bombings on London’s Underground and a bus, carried out by four home-grown militants, killed 52 civilians and injured about 700, making it the UK’s deadliest terror attack since the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. Prime Minister Tony Blair ordered a nationwide security review, while the Metropolitan Police raised alerts across England, Scotland and Wales.

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Swinney Announces Assessment

First Minister John Swinney visited Broomhouse Mosque and announced a community impact assessment following the attacks.
Lewis Hawkes, 36, was charged with five terrorism-linked counts of attempted murder after Edinburgh attacks that injured five people.
Police said the attacks were motivated by anti-Muslim hatred, injuring several Muslim community members.
Police Scotland closed Leith Walk, deployed counter-terrorism officers, and noted none of injuries were life-threatening.

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