Full Breakdown
Edinburgh Terror-Linked Anti-Muslim Attacks Prompt Terrorism Charges
6/23/2026, 12:55:09 PM
Friday Night Attacks in Edinburgh
On the night of 22 June 2026, assaults spread across Edinburgh. At about 20:30, two 22-year-old men leaving the Asr prayer at Broomhouse Mosque were stabbed in Sighthill Park and taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. A taxi was vandalised at a Shell garage on Telford Road, where a hatchet was found. CCTV showed a man smashing a BP kiosk on Ferry Road at 21:28, then a man roamed Leith Walk, chased an e-bike rider, struck a man stepping off a tram, battered a pizzeria door and attacked a delivery driver. Police closed Leith Walk as incidents unfolded.
Suspect and Charges
Lewis Hawkes, a 36-year-old Edinburgh resident, was charged with five counts of attempted murder “aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection”, together with assault and robbery, breach of the peace and culpable and reckless conduct. He appeared privately before Edinburgh Sheriff Court, entered no plea and was remanded in custody pending a further hearing within eight days. The Crown Office confirmed the terrorism-linked nature of the offences.
Victims and Community Impact
Five men were injured – two aged 22 and three aged 24, 27 and 39 – all receiving hospital treatment but none life-threatening. The Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) group identified several victims as Muslim, prompting community leaders to warn of a rising anti-Muslim climate and call for stronger preventative measures.
Official Reactions
First Minister John Swinney called the night a “wake-up call” to Scotland over intolerance and said he was “terrified” that the attacks reflected legitimised hatred. He pledged solidarity with victims and Muslim community, asserting there is no place for violence, racism or intolerance. Superintendent Neil Wilson of Police Scotland warned community concerns were “heightened” and stressed all communities must feel “supported, protected and able to go about lives without fear of hatred or intimidation.” Police Scotland has consulted over 90 multi-faith organisations and launched a community impact assessment.
Criticism and Community Concerns
Faith groups and local leaders argue the attacks reveal entrenched anti-Muslim sentiment and urge the government to implement stronger hate-crime legislation and education programmes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “First minister John Swinney said Friday's eventsshould be a "wake-up call" to Scotlandover intolerance towards others.” — John Swinney, First Minister
- “Swinney said he was "terrified" the incidents were the product of intolerance being "legitimised".” — John Swinney, First Minister
- “There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country,” — John Swinney, First Minister (X post)
- “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.” — Superintendent Neil Wilson, Police Scotland
Future Legal Steps
Hawkes will appear again before Edinburgh Sheriff Court within eight days, while Police Scotland continues its community impact assessment and monitors safety across the city.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree none of the injuries were life-threatening; no substantive discrepancies have emerged.
