The leader of the Green Party has been criticised for appearing to suggest hero officers who disarmed the Golders Green terror suspect were heavy-handed in their approach.
Zack Polanski shared a social media post that stated police had “repeatedly and violently” kicked “a mentally ill man”.
The Met declared terrorist incident on Wednesday after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green before police Tasered and restrained a knife-wielding suspect.
The victims, named as Shilome Rand, 34, and Moshe Ben Baila, 76, were taken to hospital and a man, carrying a blade and a backpack, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The 45-year-old suspected knifeman was involved in an “altercation” in south London earlier in the day which left another person injured, police said.
As usual, the Greens' sympathies are with the terrorist rather than the brave police officers stopping him. pic.twitter.com/LCUgGmnB10
— Neil O'Brien (@NeilDotObrien) April 30, 2026
He was described as British of Somali descent with a “history of serious violence and mental health issues”, according to Met Commissioner Mark Rowley.
In response to the arrest, one online critic posted on X: “So essentially his officers were repeatedly and violently kicking a mentally ill man in the head when he was already incapacitated by taser.”
The post shared by Mr Polanski prompted widespread criticism.
Home Office minister Mike Tapp said: “I’m disgusted that anyone with this view is leading any political party. The Green Party has hit a new low.”
Tory MP Neil O'Brien said: “As usual, the Greens' sympathies are with the terrorist rather than the brave police officers stopping him.”
Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley also slammed the Green Party leader for “intervening in operational policing” over his “misinformed” criticism of the arrest.
Footage of the incident shared online seems to show the suspect refusing to drop the knife after the attack that began at a North London bus stop.
On Wednesday night, a Green Party spokesman said: “This was an appalling act of antisemitic violence.
“Jewish people deserve safety and belonging wherever they live and we stand in solidarity with the British Jewish community.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones and we pay tribute to the emergency services, including Hatzola ambulances, for their swift response.”
A Green Party spokesman added: "Zack has seen the video like everyone else, and doesn't know the full picture and knows it was a very difficult situation for the authorities, but we do need to understand more about the response.”
