Southport imam recounts being trapped amid violent mosque attack during U.K.’s far-right protests: “Their eyes filled with hatred and hostility”

JOURNALIST’S NOTES

INTERVIEW SUBJECT

Ibrahim Hussein, Imam of Newport Mosque for 20 years, immigrated to the UK over 50 years ago. He served as an imam in London for 30 years before moving to Southport. On July 30, 2024, following a tragic stabbing incident nearby, a hostile crowd attacked the mosque with stones and Molotov cocktails. Despite police protection, significant damage occurred. Ibrahim, with over five decades of service, called it one of the most challenging moments of his life.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

On 29 July, a tragic knife attack during a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event claimed the lives of three young girls. Additionally, eight more children and two adults were injured in the attack. Later that day, police apprehended a 17-year-old suspect from a nearby village, clarifying that they were not treating the incident as terror-related. Despite this, social media quickly spread misinformation, falsely speculating that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK on a boat in 2023. Incorrect names were circulated, along with unfounded rumors that he was Muslim. The incident sparked violence across England and Northern Ireland, largely fueled by online misinformation, far-right rhetoric, and anti-immigration sentiments.

SOUTHPORT, United Kingdom — Two decades ago, I began serving as the imam [Muslim religious leader who leads prayers and offers spiritual guidance] of the Southport Mosque in the U.K. On July 30, 2024, I headed to the mosque for regular prayers, just five minutes away from where a stabbing incident claimed the lives of three young girls the day before. As I arrived, a large crowd stood in front of the mosque, glaring at me with palpable hatred and hostility.

Inside the mosque, while discussing the harrowing incident with other worshippers, a commotion outside soon interrupted our conversation. Looking through the window, I saw the crowd swell, becoming more agitated every minute. Within half an hour, their numbers surged to over a thousand. These strangers to the city began chanting threatening slogans, which echoed ominously around us.

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Muslim community faces false accusations and threats following tragic stabbing incident

On July 29, 2024, the night of the stabbing incident, we felt deep sadness. The agonizing news shook the entire community, and everyone discussed it. The loss of the young girls profoundly impacted each of us. We wished to defend them and were ready to sacrifice our lives if necessary. While we were still reeling from the distressing incident, lies began targeting the Muslim community in Southport.

Amid our intense pain, we received numerous warnings and messages about a potential protest in front of the mosque. Rumors quickly spread that we supposedly incited the attacker, a Muslim immigrant who regularly attended our mosque, to commit this act. These cruel and insulting rumors gained traction on social media. It felt unbelievable how swiftly the situation deteriorated. People rushed to judgment, turning the mosque into a target overnight without any real evidence. When the situation became a powder keg ready to explode, it marked the most challenging time of my life.

The next morning, I called the police. They assured me they were aware of the threats and fully prepared to handle them. To protect us, they sent three Asian guards, which put them at risk since most of the mosque’s visitors are Asian. That day, I sent text messages advising those who come to the mosque each evening to pray and read the Quran to pray at home for their safety.

Worshipers trapped as rioters attack mosque

When I arrived at the mosque in the evening, a large crowd gathered outside, their eyes filled with hatred and hostility. Inside, only eight worshipers remained. The tension in the air chilled my spine as I realized the situation was more dire than I anticipated. Unease thickened the atmosphere, and I could not shake the feeling that something was about to unfold.

Despite my attempts to focus on my prayers, my thoughts drifted back to the angry crowd waiting outside. After the prayers, I spoke with the few worshipers who gathered. We shared our worries and debated our next steps. Some proposed closing the mosque temporarily, while others argued against yielding to intimidation. As we discussed it, a commotion erupted outside. I looked out the window and saw the crowd growing agitated.

Chaos erupted as crowed shouted and waved signs, while the police guards, clearly overwhelmed, called for backup on their radios. Soon, their hatred intensified. The rioters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the mosque, destroying its fence. The violence escalated as they clashed with police and set police cars ablaze. Alarmingly, I feared they would soon set the mosque on fire, trapping me and the eight worshippers inside.

Realizing the urgency, I pulled out my phone and called community leaders and local officials to defuse the situation. As the night stretched ahead, I wondered how things escalated so quickly. That night at the mosque, we faced the threat of death and fire, entrusting the situation to God as we exhausted our options.

The rioters filled me with dread with their anger and malice, fueled by false news. The hours proved harrowing, and we stayed inside the mosque under police protection until midnight. In my more than 50 years in Britain, I never encountered such challenging moments as when the rioters attacked the mosque.

Local neighbors unite to restore mosque and reject hate after attack

I understand why the police chose not to name the 17-year-old involved in the stabbing incident due to his age. However, they should have clarified that he is not Muslim. Even though it should not matter, one person’s actions should not condemn an entire community.

Hearing people accuse immigrants and cast doubts on our loyalty is disturbing, especially in a diverse country like Britain. Even Prince Philip, King Charles’ father, was born in Greece. We work and pay our taxes. Those funds may even support some of the individuals who attacked the mosque. Without immigrants, this country would be paralyzed.

Before the attack on the mosque, our community enjoyed a harmonious and loving relationship with it, free from any harassment. The morning after the attack, our local neighbors came together at 6:00 a.m. to help clean the mosque, remove the traces of the attack, and rebuild what was destroyed. They completed the restoration before I arrived. Undoubtedly, I could not be more grateful for their support. We also enjoy strong relationships with the local church and synagogue, where we address each other by first names and visit for tea and coffee.

The city continues to grieve over the recent stabbing incident. Once things settle, we plan to invite the mosque neighbors, police, and fire brigade to a barbecue to express our gratitude for their support. Living in Britain for over 50 years, I spent years in London before relocating to Southport. I have served as the city’s mosque imam ever since. Since then, I witnessed this community actively demonstrate decency, proving that differences in belief do not hinder love, tolerance, or communication.