Counterterrorism officials are investigating an alleged hate attack in Edinburgh, Scotland, where a 36-year-old man is accused of injuring five men in a series of incidents that began near a mosque.
The attacks reportedly started just before 9 p.m. Friday near the Anwar-E-Madina Mosque, where two men sustained injuries. The suspect then allegedly attacked three other men elsewhere in the city. The victims, aged between 22 and 39, did not suffer life-threatening injuries, though three were hospitalized.
During the incident, the suspect also allegedly damaged a car at a gas station, leaving its windows smashed and an axe inside. Surveillance footage reportedly showed the suspect pushing over shelves in the station's market. Other social media videos depicted chaos in different parts of the city.
Police Scotland stated that officers responded to multiple reports of a rapidly unfolding sequence of events. The suspect was apprehended around 9:30 p.m. and remains in custody.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton described the attack as "shocking" and expressed solidarity with those affected. "I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together," Paton said.
According to reports, the suspect told authorities upon his arrest that he was "protecting the country." Counterterrorism Policing is assisting with the ongoing investigation, which is being conducted under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the violence, voicing concerns within the community. The council stated that such incidents are a consequence of political rhetoric that demonizes entire groups and urged vigilance and reporting of Islamophobic hate crimes.