Man arrested for threatening to shoot Nigel Farage
A man was arrested in London for threatening to kill Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in a social media post, the first arrest following parliamentary authorities' instruction to investigate threats against him.
The arrest took place in London on July 14, six days after the killing of former MP and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe at her Dartmoor home. The threatening message was posted on X on May 8, following significant Reform UK gains in local elections the previous day.
The suspect allegedly wrote on social media that he would shoot you in the head if you win, while describing himself as a terrorist. The arrest represents the first time parliamentary authorities’ instruction to police to investigate a threat against Farage has resulted in an arrest.
News of the arrest emerged just hours after Reform UK home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf delivered a public address highlighting security risks facing political figures and pledging that a Reform government would provide appropriate protection for both serving and former MPs.
The 78-year-old Widdecombe, who served as Reform’s immigration and justice spokeswoman, has become the third serving or former MP to be killed, following Sir David Amess and Jo Cox. Counter-terrorism police have now characterized her death as a targeted attack.
Farage has complained that police have failed to adequately address online threats and real-world violence against him. The swift arrest following the social media threat is believed to reflect heightened caution among law enforcement since Widdecombe’s killing.
Reform UK, alongside Labour and cross-party colleagues, is demanding improved security provision for politicians in the wake of the recent violence. The party has emphasized the urgent need for better protective measures for those in public life.
With information from GB News
