Man Arrested in Edinburgh After Assaulting Worshippers Outside Mosque

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Edinburgh on Saturday night after allegedly attacking Muslim worshippers, injuring five people and damaging businesses owned by Muslims. Police said the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

Edinburgh police were called at about 9:00 p.m. after reports of a topless man rampaging through the city and assaulting two worshippers leaving a mosque. Soon afterward, more reports said the same man was trying to break into Muslim-owned shops and smashing storefront windows. Three more local residents were injured in the attack, and police said they were likely also Muslim.

Officers detained the suspect at about 9:30 p.m. and brought the situation under control. In videos circulated on social media, he is seen on the pavement surrounded by police while shouting, “I am defending the country!” Other clips show him inside a petrol station store throwing objects onto the floor.

Police in Edinburgh said five men aged 22, 24, 27 and 39 were hurt in the assault, which appeared to be anti-Muslim in nature. All were taken to hospitals in the area and none was in life-threatening condition. Detective Constable Kon Paton, who is leading the investigation, said, “I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities. There is no place for racism or religious hatred in Scotland, which is at its best when we stand together. Extensive work continues to establish all the circumstances of the incident. I want to thank our officers who responded with courage and professionalism, while focusing on protecting the public.”