Latest news with #radicalization
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Minnesota WNBA coach risks fury with VERY pointed statement on state senator slaughter
The Minnesota Lynx WNBA coach Cheryl Reeve has railed against 'radicalization' and 'white power' in an emotional press conference after the fatal shooting of a Democratic lawmaker. A shooter posing as a police officer entered the Champlin residence of Senator John Hoffman and his wife early Saturday, shooting both and leaving them critically injured. They then proceeded to the home of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman, where she and her husband were fatally shot. Reeves, who criticized President Trump recently over his stance on trans athletes and hit out at him in his first term for not inviting her championship-winning team to the White House, seemed to allude to his rise to power as a cause of radicalization. A former appointee of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is being sought by police in connection to the killings. 'It seems pretty meaningless,' Reeve said before becoming tearful and taking a moment to compose herself. 'It's certainly hitting close to home. 'It's a really difficult time, not just in our country but in the world. The radicalization that has occurred since, I think it is very clear, the timing of when our country started to turn. Today is a tough day all around. 'Basketball is what we do and we'll go out there and do what we do but when our game is over, god knows what we are going to come off the court and learn what is happening.' Writings found inside a fake police car recovered at one of the shooting scenes mentioned the names of multiple lawmakers and other officials, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said. Reeve continued: 'It is sickening. You know, obviously, but for the families, I can't imagine. Thankfully State Senator Hoffman appears to be ok. 'Life just got a little bit more difficult for lawmakers, more difficult for those serving our community when you have someone who went to the extent that they did to impersonate those we are trusting with safety. It is a sick time. Asked about 'this time of more and more division' and the WNBA's message 'of inclusion', Reeves said: 'I was thinking about the era, the political era of leadership, the term politically correct actually means kindness and thinking of others. 'When that became weaponized, when inlcusion became weaponized, it is a time now more than ever when we need to stand in that and inclusion is the path. 'It has been met with a lot of resistance and that is the way of the world. It is all rooted in power - white power, no less.'
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Astonishing transformation of award-winning student to shaven-headed 'enemy of the state' who was referred to Prevent a YEAR before he tried to stab PC to death during terrorist attack on police station
As a fresh-faced 18-year-old, Alexander Dighton won a Wales-wide competition in advanced mechanical engineering. At the time, the robotics enthusiast had aspirations to join the RAF as an engineer. Yet just a decade later he had been transformed into a self-confessed 'enemy of the state'. On January 31 this year – by now bearded and shaven-headed – the one-time star student single-handedly stormed a police station in one of the most peaceful parts of South Wales. Armed with home-made weapons including a hatchet, he set a police van alight before hitting one officer and stabbing another, shouting: 'I'm fed up, I'm done'. Attempts to overcome him with a Taser proved useless due to his thick, insulated body armour. But despite their injuries the unarmed officers bravely overpowered Dighton, who later told police: 'I've been damned from birth.' As the 28-year-old starts a 22-year jail sentence, questions are now being asked over his frightening transformation into softly-spoken, pipe-smoking airport worker to would-be police killer. It can be revealed that Dighton was referred to the Government's under-fire counter-extremism Prevent programme by worried relatives 12 months before the attack. In what almost proved a fatal misjudgement, he was assessed as not posing a serious risk and left to his own devices. Dighton continued to radicalise himself in his tiny one-bedroomed flat in South Wales where neighbours would see him exercising in the courtyard at 4am. He started planning his attack on Talbot Green police station near Pontypridd a month before turning up with home-made weapons, saying afterwards: 'Blood had to be spilled.' Following his terrifying rampage, a family member warned of a 'systemic failure' in tackling the threat posed by self-radicalised loners. They compared Dighton to Axel Rudakubana – who stabbed three children to death at a Southport dance class – and Jake Davison - who shot five people dead in Plymouth – who were both also referred to Prevent before launching their massacres. 'If all these individuals had Prevent referrals in place, why are the police not intervening, when it's the people closest to them making these referrals?' the relative asked. Like Nicholas Prosper – who plotted to shoot primary school children in Luton – and Otley Run attacker Owen Lawrence, Dighton appears to have radicalised himself by viewing graphic and extreme content online. His narrowly-averted attempted massacre is the latest example of the threat posed by violence-obsessed loners motivated by no coherent ideology. At the age of 18, Dighton was studying engineering and parametric modelling at two colleges in South Wales. He later moved to Preston, Lancashire before vanishing following a breakdown, leaving all his belongings behind in May 2022. That prompted his worried family to report him missing to police. They believe he may be autistic, although it is understood he was never formally diagnosed. Returning to South Wales, Dighton moved into a one-bed flat in a new-build housing association estate in Llantrisant, a five-minute drive from the police station he would go onto attack. He got a job manufacturing inflatable evacuation slides for aeroplanes at Cardiff Airport, cycling the 12-mile journey to work as he didn't own a car. Neighbours on the well-tended development likened him to Sherlock Holmes because of his penchant for wearing an old-fashioned suit and greenish-brown waistcoat while smoking tobacco with a pipe. He was also fond of a round "Amish-style" hat and used an old bicycle inner-tube as a belt for his trousers, telling some how he wished he had been born in the 1800s. Dighton told them he 'wanted kids but he wasn't interested in women'. Police chiefs have praised the bravery and professionalism of the five officers who came face-to-face with Dighton on the night of the attack The flat was completely unfurnished, lacking even curtains, and he slept on the floor in a sleeping bag. Neighbours nevertheless described him as 'pleasant' and having 'a heart of gold'. "I'd see him in the morning smoking his pipe, and he'd doff his hat and say, 'Good morning to you, sir. Do you want anything up the shop?'' one said. But they became increasingly worried about conspiracy theories he would spout after staying up late delving the darker corners of the internet. 'He'd stay up all through the night,' said one. 'He didn't have a TV but he'd be gaming and watching things on the internet." In January 2024 – 12 months before he went on the rampage – a relative referred Dighton to Prevent. The same family member contacted South Wales Police a fortnight before the attack with concerns about his behaviour. Ahead of his sentencing they branded it a 'systematic failure'. 'It was highlighted to all the right people and it wasn't prevented,' the relative said. 'It raises the question: are police well-staffed enough? And mental health services that could have helped Alex have been cut. 'This was preventable. There has to be a policy change somewhere with regards to these radicalised individuals. The Prevent referrals are not preventing attacks.' In the run-up to his rampage Dighton's behaviour became increasingly erratic. 'He was on about children getting sex education at the age of three," said the neighbour. 'And the police being child molesters and perverts. 'He told us he was on the dark web and he was 'looking into it deep''. 'He would talk about the government, then move onto the police, and then onto gaming, and then back to paedophiles. 'He had a massive problem with authority.' Around this time Dighton began posting racist on X – formerly Twitter – under the profile @VulkantheJust, an apparent reference to a Warhammer character. His profile has a blue tick awarded to users with a paid-for subscription, extending the reach of their posts. His bio reads: 'Dammed [sic] before Birth.' While his messages are only visible to followers, one user who responded branded him a 'little twit who thinks his failures are somehow the fault of 12 year old girls'. Neighbours believe a trigger for Dighton 'cracking' was a dispute with a man who lived in the area. They claim Dighton made allegations that the man had been smoking drugs but that police did not take any action. Dighton's anger grew and on July 29 last year he committed a public order offence against the man, later receiving a conditional discharge. His fixation on police intensified as he repeatedly complained they 'only see the things they want to see'. One neighbour said a relative of Dighton had urged him to see a GP about his mental health but he refused and told the family member 'not to bother' with him anymore. Despite receiving a promotion at work, around a month before launching the police attack he unexpectedly quit his job. Neighbours said police attended over concerns for Dighton's welfare but he confronted officers, shouting: 'P*** off, don't come here.' The day before the attack he shaved his hair - which neighbours said had grown to resemble Doc Brown from Back to the Future – and spent part of the night pacing back and forth outside the flats, smoking his pipe. Condemning his 'disgusting' actions, one said: 'Why, Alex? The police were only doing their job. 'I am really gutted.' In March Dighton - who represented himself - pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a police officer. He also admitted attempted grievous bodily harm, battery, attempted arson, possession of an offensive weapon, two bladed article offences and two of damaging property. The Old Bailey heard that searches of Dighton's home uncovered journals revealing his fixation on anti-immigrant ideology. Counter-terror police admit he slipped through the net – but insist there was nothing to suggest what he was planning. Det Supt Andrew Williams, head of counter terrorism policing in Wales, said there was nothing to suggest he would go on to carry out such an 'horrific' attack. Dighton was assessed by specialist officers over a three-week period over anti-immigration and anti-Islam views as well an interest in the involuntary celibate 'incel' movement. 'They interviewed him at length, they undertook due diligence checks and the conclusion was he did not meet the criteria required for inclusion onto the prevent programme,' he said. 'I must stress that there was absolutely no information or evidence that would suggest he would attack anyone let alone police officers outside Talbot Green as he did a year later.' Dighton was heavily into the Dark Web and also obsessed with the fantasy game Warhammer where armoured miniature warriors use a variety of weapons to battle their foes. He was wearing insulating body armour on the night he struck, and when officers tried to Taser him the electric shock had no effect. Pepper spray also failed to incapacitate him. Dighton was carrying an axe, a hatchet, a pole with two blades attached to it and a knife along with a Molotov cocktail which he hurled at police as they came towards him. Det Supt Williams said Dighton had developed a 'very firm hatred of the state' over his anti-immigration views and 'saw the police as a legitimate target' as a 'representative of the state'. He had begun planning the police station attack around a month earlier, procuring the body armour plus an axe, hatchet, and knife. Det Supt Williams said due to the short timescale 'I don't think there is anything that could have been done differently'. Interviewed by police afterwards, Dighton said he wanted 'to do the maximum damage and cause as much injury to others as he possibly could' and that 'blood had to be spilled.' Nicholas Prosper (left) who plotted to shoot primary school children in Luton after murdering his mother and siblings and Otley Run attacker Owen Lawrence (right) both radicalised themselves by viewing graphic and extreme content online Detectives are in no doubt that he took his inspiration from the internet, gaming and far-right forums, saying he struggled to separate reality from fantasy. Det Supt Williams said: 'He was a lonely individual, with challenges of his own, and he had ready access to material which is readily available online. 'He was a very keen gaming enthusiast and in some of his interviews he referred to the Warhammer type games. 'He identified with characters in that gaming methodology. 'It's a sad indictment of where we are that that stuff is readily accessible and he was freely able to discuss with other like-minded individuals online about their opinions, their thoughts and their mindset. Det Supt Williams said 'lessons were always learned' when individuals like Dighton target the state for terrorist attacks. 'It is a very complex and detailed world that our officers operate in and are required to prioritise and make decisions based on assessments that they undertake on a daily basis,' he said. Nevertheless the case will increase pressure to reform the Prevent strategy, which saw 6,884 referrals in the 12 months to March 2024 – two-fifths relating to children 15 and under. Killers found to have been dismissed too readily by Prevent teams include Islamic State supporter Ali Harbi Ali who stabbed Conservative MP Sir David Amess to death during a constituency surgery at a church hall in Leigh-on-Sea. Following the Southport dance studio attack a rapid review found Axel Rudakubana's referral had been 'closed prematurely'. The Home Office is examining how to strengthen Prevent, including how it responds to cases where mental ill-health is a factor. Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones, lead officer for Mid Glamorgan, praised the bravery and professionalism of the five officers who came face-to-face with Dighton on the night of the attack. He said: 'The courage displayed by all officers is truly commendable, but it is important to recognise the profound impact these events have had on the officers themselves, their families and the wider community. 'Each officer is not just a public servant but a husband, a wife, a son, a daughter or a parent and their families are undoubtedly deeply affected by incidents such as these on a daily basis. 'Such an incident against our officers at their workplace serves as a stark reminder of the risks that can arise unexpectedly.'
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Beni: Prison Officers Trained by Mission de l'Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) on Preventing Radicalization in Detention Facilities
Twenty-five Congolese prison administration officers from the Beni region in North Kivu, including four women, took part in a training session on June 10, 2025, focused on preventing radicalization and violent extremism of detainees. Organized at Kangbayi Urban Prison by MONUSCO's Prison Administration Support Unit in Beni, the training aimed to strengthen prison staff capacity in managing inmates at risk of radicalization. The session covered the definitions of radicalization and violent extremism, identification of risk factors, indicators of prison radicalization, and best practices for prevention, management, and reintegration of affected detainees. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for an approach that respects the rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals. Like many penitentiary facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kangbayi Prison houses a diverse inmate population. Located in a conflict-affected area, it holds a significant number of armed group members, including elements of the ADF, Maï-Maï militias, and more recently, the AFC/M23. Around 400 individuals are currently detained for offenses related to armed activity. The prison director, Tsongo Makelele, highlighted the challenges: "It has been observed at the national level that some inmates become radicalized within prison walls. Beni prison houses individuals from armed groups, especially the ADF, and others involved in the eastern DRC conflicts. With only two cells, it's difficult to ensure proper separation between different categories of inmates." In light of the risk of extremist ideologies spreading, he welcomed the training: "Our staff now have tools to prevent radicalization. It's a critical issue for the security of the facility. When a radicalized inmate adopts a violent or extremist posture, it poses a real threat. Equipping our personnel with the skills to anticipate and manage this phenomenon is essential." This training is part of MONUSCO's broader efforts to strengthen the resilience of penitentiary institutions in eastern DRC. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l'Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).
Arab News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Student who stabbed Labour MP in east London in 2010 to be freed from prison, says Parole Board
LONDON: A student who attempted to murder Labour MP Stephen Timms in May 2010 can be released from prison following a Parole Board decision. Roshonara Choudhry was 21 when she was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years for stabbing Timms twice in the stomach, and was also charged with two counts of possessing an offensive weapon. Choudhry, a former King's College London student, was radicalized after watching lectures by an Al-Qaeda cleric, and her attack was believed to have been the first Al-Qaeda-inspired attempt to assassinate a politician on British soil. Choudhry attacked the East Ham MP, the minister of state for social security and disability in the current UK government, while he held a constituency surgery at the Beckton Globe community center in east London. Following her arrest, she told police the stabbing was 'punishment' and 'to get revenge for the people of Iraq.' During a Parole Board hearing on May 20, a panel decided to release her from prison. It added that her imprisonment 'was no longer necessary for the protection of the public.' Choudhry, now 36, participated in programs while in prison to understand her extreme beliefs, and her behavior was described by the panel as 'exemplary.' It added: 'Ms Choudhry was assessed as having shown a very high level of insight and understanding of herself. 'She would no longer be likely to be influenced by other people with strong negative views, having developed the ability to critically evaluate information and to seek help from professionals if she needs it.' The panel recommended Choudhry's release on license, with conditions to live at a designated address, follow a curfew, and avoid contact with Timms.
The Independent
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Al Qaida-inspired student who stabbed MP can be freed from prison
A student who tried to murder a Labour MP after watching radical online lectures by an al Qaida cleric can be released from prison, the Parole Board has said. Roshonara Choudhry, then 21, was jailed for life for a minimum of 15 years for stabbing Sir Stephen Timms twice in the stomach in May 2010, and for two offences of possessing an offensive weapon. The attack on the now social security minister is thought to be the first al Qaida-inspired attempt to assassinate a politician on British soil. The former King's College London student knifed East Ham MP Sir Stephen as he held a constituency surgery at the Beckton Globe community centre in east London, smiling and pretending she was going to shake hands with him before stabbing him. After she was arrested she told detectives the stabbing was 'punishment' and 'to get revenge for the people of Iraq'. But after a Parole Board hearing on May 20 this year, a panel decided she could be freed from jail. A decision summary said: 'After considering the circumstances of her offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented at the hearing and in the dossier, the panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public.' The document said that at the time of the attempted murder, Choudhry, now 36, had risk factors of problems with family relationships, development of extreme beliefs about the world and willingness to use violence to address perceived injustices. But she had engaged in programmes in prison to understand how her extreme beliefs developed and her conduct in prison was described as 'exemplary'. The summary added: 'Ms Choudhry was assessed as having shown a very high level of insight and understanding of herself. 'She had consistently shown over many years that she no longer held the same beliefs, that she was able to manage her emotional wellbeing effectively and she would no longer be likely to be influenced by other people with strong negative views, having developed the ability to critically evaluate information and to seek help from professionals if she needs it.' The document said the panel did not receive a victim impact statement, or representations from the justice secretary. It was recommended that Choudhry be released on licence under conditions such as living at a designated address, with a specific curfew and subject to an exclusion zone to avoid contact with Sir Stephen. A Parole Board spokesman said: 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. 'Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.'
