Man arrested over threatening to shoot Farage in social media post
BBC News 2026-07-15 14:21:18
Context: A man in his 20s was arrested in south London on suspicion of sending threatening communications to a Member of Parliament after making a social media post that allegedly threatened to shoot Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The post was reported to police on May 8, and the arrest was made on Tuesday of the same week. This incident comes amid increased security concerns for MPs, particularly after Reform spokesperson Ann Widdecombe was killed at her Devon home.
Key Facts
- A man in his 20s was arrested in south London on Tuesday on suspicion of sending threatening communications to a Member of Parliament, specifically an alleged threat to shoot Reform UK leader Nigel Farage made in a social media post on X.
- The post was reported to police on May 8, a day after the local and mayoral elections, and the Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team informed Farage of the arrest on Wednesday.
- The arrested individual was bailed pending further inquiries, and Farage expressed hope that police would investigate other similar posts, estimating there were "three or four hundred" such threats made this year alone.
- Reform UK's home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, stated that a Reform UK government would provide "round-the-clock protection" for all MPs, citing the ever-present threat of mortal danger faced by Farage.
- The arrest relates to an incident six days after Reform spokesperson Ann Widdecombe was killed at her Devon home, highlighting the increased security concerns for MPs.