London police have arrested a man on suspicion of sending threatening communications to Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage, who had been threatened on social media with being shot.
The arrest on Tuesday came after the man allegedly posted on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "I am going to shoot you in the head if you win," according to The Telegraph newspaper.
The incident has amplified concerns over the security of politicians in the United Kingdom, particularly following the recent killing of Ann Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament and member of the anti-immigration Reform UK party. Widdecombe was killed on July 8 at her rural home in southwest England.
Farage, who recently resigned his parliamentary seat amid an investigation into an undeclared 5 million pound ($6.7 million) gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire, is seeking re-election to the same seat. He stated the funds were intended for his personal security. His resignation and subsequent re-election bid have drawn criticism, with opponents suggesting it is a maneuver to evade a parliamentary probe.
The death of Widdecombe, known for her socially conservative views on issues such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, has unsettled the British political establishment. Counterterror police are handling the investigation into her death after new evidence emerged. Initially, Devon and Cornwall Police had stated that the killing was not believed to be terror-related and showed no indication of political motivation.
The man arrested in connection with the threats against Farage was held overnight and has since been released on bail, according to the Metropolitan Police.