Second Kneecap video being investigated by counter-terrorism police
Counter-terrorism police are now investigating Irish rap trio Kneecap over a second video that has emerged over the group’s controversial political stance.
The Guardian reported on April 27th that a second investigation had been launched against the band regarding a video clip from a gig in November 2023 in which they allegedly told the audience: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
It comes after Kneecap were already being investigated for an incident at a performance in November 2024 at the O2 Kentish Town in London, where band member Mo Chara can be heard shouting, “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah,” in support of Hamas in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Hamas and Hezbollah are considered terrorist groups in the UK.
Regarding both events, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan police said: “We were made aware of a video on April 22nd, believed to be from an event in November 2024, and it has been referred to the counter-terrorism internet referral unit for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required.”
They added: “We have also been made aware of another video believed to be from an event in November 2023.”
When details of the first investigation emerged, Kneecap responded on X by reposting a satirical news article with the headline ’18-Months Of Genocide Footage Not Under Investigation By UK Counter-Terror Police’, adding the caption: “Some facts.”
This is not the only controversy Kneecap has attracted in recent weeks. After their performance at Coachella, they posted messages again in support of Palestine. As a result, they faced calls from the likes of Sharon Osbourne to have their US work visas revoked, and they have now reportedly been dropped from their visa booking agent, the International Artist Group (IAG).
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