Man Who Tried to Enter London’s Israeli Embassy Charged With Terrorism

Abdullah Sabah Albadri, 33, was detained by officers while attempting to enter the building and found to be carrying two ‘bladed articles.’

Pro-Israel supporters and pro-Palestinian supporters hold opposing demonstrations in Tottenham Court Road, London, on April 20, 2024. Yui Mok/PA

Police in London said on April 30 that they had charged a man with terrorism offenses and possession of a bladed weapon after he was arrested on suspicion of trying to gain access to the Israeli Embassy in the British capital.

The Metropolitan Police said a man was detained by officers as he was attempting to get into the grounds of the Jewish state’s embassy in South Kensington, West London, on the evening of April 28.

Officers prevented his entry and arrested him on suspicion of a public order offense, trespassing on a designated site, and possession of an offensive weapon.

On April 30, counterterrorism detectives said the man, 33-year-old Abdullah Sabah Albadri, had been charged with preparation of a terrorist act and two counts of possession of a bladed article.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “We remain in close contact with those based at the Embassy of Israel, and we appreciate that these charges will be concerning to them.

“I would like to reassure the public, however, that from our enquiries so far, we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this matter and we do not believe there is any wider threat to the public.

“Although the man has now been charged, we continue with our investigation and would urge the public not to speculate further at this time.”

Albadri, described by British police as having “no fixed abode,” is set to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The Israeli Embassy said in a statement that its diplomats had always been “subjected to terror threats and even more so after the 7th of October, 2023.”

“We are relieved to report that this attack was prevented by the British security forces and that no injuries occurred and all embassy staff and visitors are safe,” the embassy said on social media platform X.

“We thank the British security forces for their immediate response and ongoing efforts to secure the Embassy.

“The Embassy of Israel will not be deterred by any terror threat and will continue to represent Israel with pride in the UK.”

The Community Security Trust, an organization that provides safety advice to Jews in Britain, said it was speaking to the police about the incident but was not aware of any “related threats to the Jewish community.”

London has seen numerous protests and unrest since the start of the war between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas, many of which have seen people arrested.

Most recently, two demonstrators calling for a trade embargo on the Jewish state defaced Tower Bridge with red powder paint during the London Marathon on April 27. Both were arrested.