Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening to Kill Nigel Farage With Words That Shocked Many
A man has been arrested on suspicion of threatening to kill Reform UK leader Nigel Farage after allegedly posting violent messages on social media. The arrest comes as concerns continue to grow about the safety of politicians following the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe.
The alleged threat was posted on X on May 8, just one day after the local and mayoral elections. According to reports, the message warned Mr Farage: “I am going to shoot you in the head if you win.” It is also claimed that more threatening replies were later posted in response to messages Mr Farage shared online celebrating Reform UK’s election success.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a man was arrested on July 14 on suspicion of sending a threatening communication. Officers questioned him before releasing him on bail while investigations continue. Police are also examining electronic devices believed to have been used as part of their inquiries.
The arrest has added to growing concerns within Reform UK, which has been calling for stronger protection for politicians after the shocking death of Ann Widdecombe. The former Conservative MP was found with serious injuries at her home in Devon, and police later confirmed that the attack appeared to have been targeted.
Speaking about the latest arrest, Nigel Farage said he hoped the police would now take online threats more seriously. He claimed this was the first time officers had acted proactively over a threatening social media post directed at him.
Farage said there had been hundreds of similar threats over recent years, including messages and videos that he and his team had reported to police. He claimed that many of those reports had previously been dismissed because they did not meet the required threshold for police action.
Farage also referred to other incidents involving public figures, saying he had faced years of abuse and threats. He argued that if police are now taking these cases more seriously, it could help better protect serving and former politicians from future attacks.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death continues. Devon and Cornwall Police initially said there was nothing to suggest a political motive. However, after new information came to light, counter-terrorism officers became involved, with a parallel investigation now running alongside the murder inquiry.
Authorities have stressed that the case has not been officially declared a terrorist incident, but they believe the attack was targeted and are continuing to investigate the suspect’s possible motive and any planning that may have taken place.
A 28-year-old white British man was first arrested on Saturday before being re-arrested on Monday on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Detectives are continuing to question witnesses, examine evidence and carry out forensic work as the investigation progresses.
