Homegrown Terrorist Plotted Mass Shootings at Queen’s Funeral and London Preacher
A shocking court revelation has exposed how Edward Little, a 22-year-old British-born Muslim convert and convicted criminal, planned terror attacks targeting some of the UK’s most high-profile events and figures.
Plot to Attack Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral
During his trial, it emerged that Little once aimed to unleash a mass gun attack at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral at Westminster Abbey. Converted to Islam behind bars, he obsessively discussed acquiring deadly weapons including a 1 and an AK-47 in encrypted chats. He boasted, “I don’t think there has been an attack in the UK with guns so a semi-automatic rifle would send an even stronger message.”
Shifted Focus to High-Profile Preacher in Hyde Park
Having missed the window for the Queen’s funeral, Little targeted Christian preacher Hatun Tash at Speaker’s Corner, Hyde Park. Tash, a former Muslim turned Christian, is known for her controversial views and has faced prior death threats.
Little was caught while travelling from Brighton to London to buy guns. At his arrest, he attacked a detective and later doused an inmate with boiling water and sugar inside Belmarsh Prison.
Dark History and Disturbing Plans
- Little converted to Islam while serving time in Kent and County Durham juvenile facilities.
- He has 14 prior convictions including robbery, knife possession, and drug offences dating back to 2017.
- Prosecutors revealed he extensively researched weapons, locations, and victims including police and soldiers.
- He downloaded extremist Islamic propaganda and sought funding for his attacks.
- Little even intended for the attack to be filmed and claimed by Al Qaeda.
He has pled guilty to preparing an act of terrorism and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Sentencing is pending.
Counterterrorism Under Spotlight
This chilling case underscores the ongoing threat from homegrown terrorists and the vital role of vigilant counterterrorism efforts to keep the public safe.
