A shirtless man armed with a machete allegedly tore through the streets of Edinburgh in a bloody rampage that left five people injured and shook Scotland’s Muslim community, authorities said.
The terrifying attack unfolded Friday, June 19, when a 36-year-old suspect, who has not been publicly identified, allegedly slashed two men near a mosque in the western part of the city before moving on to Leith Walk, where three more people were hurt.
Police said none of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries, but the chaos sparked fear across the city as investigators began looking into whether the attack was motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.
According to reports, several of the victims are believed to be Muslim.
The same suspect is also accused of vandalizing a gas station, damaging a taxi parked there, and storming a pizzeria with the machete.
CCTV footage reportedly showed the man knocking shelves over inside a gas station kiosk before smashing the window and windshield of a vehicle. He later allegedly showed up at Origano Cafe & Pizzeria on Leith Walk, where he struck the business’s door with the blade before leaving.
🚨 BREAKING: A 36-year-old white Scottish man is being investigated by Counter Terrorism Police after five people were stabbed in Edinburgh
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) June 20, 2026
He said after his arrest: "I'm protecting the country from these fucking Muslim bastards raping our young daughters" pic.twitter.com/ssrecw0hgi
Video shared online appeared to show police pinning the shirtless suspect to the ground as he launched into an anti-Muslim tirade, claiming he was “protecting” the country.
The violent outburst has left Muslim leaders and community advocates demanding vigilance and reassurance at a time when hate crimes and extremist rhetoric remain a growing concern across the U.K. and beyond.
MEND Scotland, an Islamic community organization, said several of the victims were Muslim, according to the BBC.
The Muslim Council of Britain also issued a warning to members of the faith community in the aftermath of the attack.
“To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, and please report any Islamophobic hate crimes to the police,” a spokesperson said, according to the BBC.
Police officials moved quickly to reassure residents that hate-fueled violence would not be tolerated.
“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 Scotland which is at its best when we stand working together,” Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said.
The incident is now reportedly being investigated by counter-terrorism police, though authorities have not announced formal charges.
The suspect remains in police custody.
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