Metropolitan Police Commissioner Responds to Criticism
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has defended the conduct of officers who subdued a suspect during the Golders Green knife attack, following criticism from Green Party leader Zack Polanski. Polanski shared a post condemning the officers' actions, prompting a response from Sir Mark.
Details of the Incident
Two officers used a Taser and repeatedly kicked the suspect in the head while attempting to disarm him after he stabbed two Jewish men in the north London neighbourhood. The suspect, Essa Suleiman, 45, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to murder Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, on Wednesday morning.
Polanski reposted a message on X stating:
"Essentially his officers were repeatedly and violently kicking a mentally ill man in the head when he was already incapacitated by Taser."
In response, Sir Mark wrote a letter to Polanski expressing his disappointment that the politician had amplified what he described as "inaccurate and misinformed commentary." The Met chief emphasized that the officers involved were unarmed and had concerns the suspect might have been carrying an explosive device.
Police Account and Evidence
The Metropolitan Police stated that even after being Tasered, the suspect "refused to show his hands, was violent and continued to pose a clear threat." The force released footage from officers' body-worn cameras, capturing the moments leading up to and during the arrest. The audio records officers repeatedly instructing the suspect to "get down on the ground" prior to deploying the Taser, followed by commands to "drop the knife."
Social media videos circulated showing officers kicking the man in the head multiple times during the struggle to remove the knife.
Green Party Response
A Green Party spokesperson told the BBC:
"Zack has seen the video like everyone else - and doesn't know the full picture and knows it was a very difficult situation for the authorities - but we do need to understand more about the response."
Sir Mark's Defense of Officers
Sir Mark suggested that the author of the critical post might have been present at the scene but considered it more likely they were an "armchair critic." He praised the officers involved:
"Those officers are nothing short of extraordinary. They were on the scene within a few minutes, and their actions undoubtedly prevented further injury and saved lives."
He further explained that apprehending violent and dangerous criminals is a "full contact and messy task which may appear shocking to observers with little experience of policing in the real world." Sir Mark urged against inflaming tensions by "amplifying more 'us and them rhetoric'" in the current climate.
Suspect's Background and Investigation
Essa Suleiman remains in police custody. Sir Mark revealed that the suspect has a history of serious violence and mental health issues and was believed to be involved in a separate incident in south-east London the previous day, Tuesday.
The Metropolitan Police formally declared the attack a terrorist incident.
Political Reactions
Polanski described the attack as "horrendous" and expressed his thoughts for the victims and their families:
"Thinking of the victims, their families and everyone who will once again be shaken by this attack."
