Essa Suleiman Charged With Attempted Murder After Golders Green Stabbing Attack

Essa Suleiman Charged With Attempted Murder After Golders Green Stabbing Attack A 45-year-old man, Essa Suleiman, has been charged with attempted murder after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London, in an incident police are treating as terrorism. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Suleiman faces two counts of attempted murder relating to the attack, as well as an additional attempted murder charge connected to a separate stabbing elsewhere in London on the same day. The stabbings occurred on Wednesday, April 29, when a man armed with a knife targeted Jewish pedestrians along Golders Green Road, a neighbourhood known for its large Jewish community. Two victims aged 34 and 76 sustained stab wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities said both survived the attack, with one later discharged while the other remained in stable condition. Counter-terrorism officers quickly took over the investigation, and police formally declared the incident a terrorist attack, citing evidence that the victims were deliberately targeted. Following authorisation by the Crown Prosecution Service, Suleiman was charged with:

• Two counts of attempted murder,
• Possession of a bladed weapon in a public place, and
• A third attempted murder charge linked to another incident in south London earlier the same day.

He is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court

Police identified Suleiman as a British national born in Somalia who moved to the United Kingdom as a child. Investigators revealed he had previously been referred to the government’s Prevent counter extremism programme in 2020, though the case was later closed. Authorities believe he acted alone, but inquiries into possible ideological motives remain ongoing. The attack triggered widespread concern across Britain, particularly within Jewish communities. In response, the UK raised its national terrorism threat level to “severe,” indicating an attack is considered highly likely. Government officials and police leaders have condemned the violence and pledged increased security measures around Jewish institutions. Detectives continue to examine the suspect’s movements, online activity, and any potential links to extremist influences. Police have urged the public to avoid speculation that could prejudice legal proceedings while investigations continue.