British prosecutors have filed terrorism charges against a 28-year-old man already detained for the murder of a politician. The Crown Prosecution Service charged Joshua Kerry from South Yorkshire with preparation of terrorist acts, which included plans against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, a Member of Parliament.
Kerry has been in government custody since late July following his arrest for the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former Reform UK and Conservative politician. The incident occurred on July 8, when Widdecombe was attacked in her Devon home. Kerry allegedly entered her house and assaulted her 21 times with a hammer before fleeing with her wallet. The attack reportedly lasted two minutes.
The charges relate to events occurring between May 31 and July 8. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the Senior National Coordinator for Counterterrorism Policing, acknowledged the persistent efforts of the investigative team in bringing these charges.
“The charge announced today is a result of the tireless work of investigators across the Counterterrorism Policing network,” said Evans.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood responded on social media. She expressed concern over the new charges and extended sympathies to the Farage family. Mahmood emphasized that attacks on politicians threaten the entirety of public service.
The Jo Cox Foundation issued a statement highlighting the dangers faced by public figures. They stressed the importance of addressing the rising abuse and intimidation in politics.
Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. In a related development, charges were also filed against two Iranian men. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, face accusations of plotting terrorist acts targeting the Jewish community in Manchester. This plot, prosecutors allege, involved contact with individuals possibly in Iran.
Commissioner Evans commented on the seriousness of these charges and assured that there is no ongoing public threat from this case.
The timing of these charges coincides with the High Holy Days and the anniversary of last year’s attack at Heaton Park synagogue, amidst a rise in anti-Semitic incidents in the UK. Ahmadyan and Salehi have been detained and will appear in court on Saturday.
Journalist Tyler Speicher, who has extensive experience covering major events, reported this article with contributions from Thomas Ferraro, Stephanie Bennett, and The Associated Press.