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Pro-Palestinian Activist Arrested After TikTok Video Defaces David Amess Statue
By Drooid · · How we work
Arrest Over TikTok Video Targeting David Amess Statue
Essex Police detained a man in his 30s in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, on a Friday following a report of a TikTok video that showed an individual spitting on the bronze statue of the late MP Sir David Amess. The police opened an investigation after the video was flagged on Wednesday. The suspect was questioned on suspicion of criminal damage and a public-order offence and remains in custody.
Background on Sir David Amess and Prior Attack
Sir David Amess, a Conservative MP and former minister under Prime Minister Boris Johnson, was murdered during a constituency surgery on 16 October 2021 near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea. The killing, carried out by Ali Harbi Ali, was classified as a terrorist attack. In the aftermath, members of the local Muslim community laid flowers at the memorial.
Police Investigation and Charges
According to the BBC, officers received the TikTok clip, which featured a person approaching the statue, delivering a hostile comment about Amess’s support for the Iraq War, and then spitting on the monument. The video’s caption, posted by the account “Angry Jesus,” denied personal involvement while threatening to identify the perpetrator. Essex Police have not disclosed whether additional charges will be pursued beyond criminal damage and public-order offences.
Reactions from Family and Politicians
A spokesperson for the Amess family described the defacement as “deeply upsetting.” Dame Priti Patel, MP for Witham and former Home Secretary, condemned the act as “disgusting and offensive,” urging the police to investigate fully. The family’s statement and Patel’s comments were shared on social-media platforms, emphasizing respect for Sir David’s legacy as an advocate for free speech and dignified political debate.
Context of the TikTok Account’s Content
The “Angry Jesus” account has posted other videos criticizing Israel and expressing pro-Palestinian views, according to reporting by The Telegraph. While the user initially denied involvement in the spitting incident, the police investigation continues to determine responsibility.