British prosecutors have announced terrorism charges against a 28-year-old man who had already been detained for the murder of a conservative politician. The Crown Prosecution Service charged Joshua Kerry from South Yorkshire with preparing terrorist acts, specifically mentioning potential attacks on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage MP.
Kerry has been in custody since late July, following his arrest for the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former Reform UK and Conservative politician. Prosecutors report that on July 8, Widdecombe was attacked in her Devon home during her lunch. Kerry allegedly entered the house, assaulted her with a hammer, took her wallet, and finished the attack in just two minutes. Former UK MP Ann Widdecombe died as a result of this assault.
The recent charges against Kerry involve events occurring between May 31 and July 8. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans stated, “The charge announced today is a result of the tireless work of investigators across the Counterterrorism Policing network.” She praised the team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts for their efforts.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood commented on the allegations, describing them as “extremely concerning” and sending her sympathies to the Farage family. She emphasized the broader implication, stating, “An attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all.”
The Jo Cox Foundation, named after a Labour MP murdered in 2016, asserted that public figures should not fear for their safety. They condemned the violence, noting its threats to individuals and democracy. They stressed the need to address the growing abuse and intimidation in politics.
Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on the upcoming Wednesday.
Separately, Counterterrorism Policing announced charges against two Iranian men, accused of plotting against the Jewish community in Manchester. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, face charges of preparing for terrorist acts, related to contacts with a possibly Iran-based third party.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Evans highlighted the seriousness of these charges and reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat. These events coincide with the High Holy Day period and mark the anniversary of a previous terrorist attack at Heaton Park synagogue.
Both Ahmadyan and Salehi remain in custody, with their court appearance scheduled for Saturday.
Additional information was contributed by Fox News journalists Thomas Ferraro and Stephanie Bennett, along with The Associated Press. Tyler Speicher, an American journalist residing in Slovenia, reported this news.
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