Metropolitan Police say there is “grounds for further investigation” into Kneecap
London’s Metropolitan Police have confirmed they will investigate Kneecap further after the counter-terrorism department was notified of two videos from their concerts.
Last week, a historic video resurfaced on social media from Kneecap’s November 2024 concert at O2 Kentish Town Forum, London. In the clip, Mo Chara can be heard seemingly shouting, “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” Both Hamas and Hezbollah are recognised as terrorist organisations in the UK.
A second video later emerged from a gig that is believed to have taken place in November 2023, in which they seemingly told the audience: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Regarding both events, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan police previously said the two clips had been passed “to the counter-terrorism internet referral unit for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required.”
Now, in a new statement, issued on May 1st, the Metropolitan Police said: “On April 22, we were made aware of an online video believed to be from a music event in London in November 2024. Following this, we were made aware of a further video, believed to be from another music event in London in November 2023. Both videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offenses linked to both videos.”
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The statement continued: “The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and inquiries remain ongoing at this time.”
Following the emergence of the two videos, Kneecap released a statement apologising to the families of the late MPs Jo Cox and David Amess, who were both murdered. They also “reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual” and claim the footage has been “deliberately taken out of all context” to be “exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action.”
Kneecap has since been removed from German festivals, and a show was cancelled at the Eden Project in Cornwall. Politicians have pressured Glastonbury to take them off the bill at the festival, but they are still scheduled to perform.
On April 30th, prominent members of the musical community rallied around Kneecap by signing an open letter in support of the Belfast trio. Notable signees include Paul Weller, Pulp, Massive Attack, Fontaines DC, Idles, Annie Mac and English Teacher.
The Metropolitan Police have not charged Kneecap.
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