Metropolitan Police declared a stabbing attack on two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London, a terrorist incident on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 11:16 BST on Highfield Avenue, off Golders Green Road, in a neighborhood home to a large Jewish community. Shilome Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, both suffered stab wounds and were treated at the scene by the Jewish medical charity Hatzola before being hospitalized in stable condition.

A 45-year-old British national born in Somalia carried out the attack. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect jogging and lunging at victims, including near a bus stop. CCTV footage captured the moments before and after the stabbings. He had been involved in an earlier altercation with a knife on Tuesday morning in Southwark.

Officers confronted the suspect shortly after, fearing he carried an explosive device. He refused to drop a knife, attempted to stab them, and was tasered. Body-worn camera footage showed officers repeatedly shouting "drop the knife" before subduing him. None of the officers was injured. The suspect, who has a history of serious violence and mental health issues, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody. Police searched an address in southeast London.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, formally declared the attack a terrorist incident. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated officers "confronted a man they believed to be a terrorist, who refused to show his hands, who was violent and continued to pose a clear threat." He added that investigators are exploring whether the attack deliberately targeted the Jewish community and noted some individuals may be encouraged or paid by foreign organizations.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the attack "utterly appalling" and said, "Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain." He chaired an emergency cabinet meeting with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Mayor Sadiq Khan to discuss enhanced security and funding for Jewish community protection. Starmer also referenced measures against "malign state actors."

Mayor Khan expressed being "angry, appalled, and disgusted" that Jewish people feel frightened. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis warned, "If you are visibly Jewish, you're not safe, and far more needs to be done." King Charles III voiced deep concern and offered prayers for the victims.

The attack follows a series of antisemitic incidents in London. Less than a week ago, a memorial wall in Golders Green was targeted in a suspected arson. Last month, four Hatzola ambulances were set ablaze, causing significant damage. Earlier this month, a synagogue in Kenton was petrol-bombed. A shadowy Islamist group claimed responsibility for some arsons via Telegram, though links remain unconfirmed. Security has increased across Jewish sites with more police and volunteer patrols from groups like Shomrim.

Counterterrorism police continue to investigate all motives as the Jewish community expresses heightened anxiety.