Teenager Admits Plotting Arson Attack on Scottish Mosque
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested in January near the Inverclyde Muslim Centre. According to police, he was found carrying an airgun and aerosol cans, which he intended to use in a planned attack on the mosque. He had reportedly aimed to trap worshippers inside the building before igniting the fire.
Glasgow’s High Court heard that the boy had been radicalised through social media from the age of 13. Prosecutors said he held extremist views, believed in a supposed “race war,” and expressed admiration for historical fascist figures such as Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and convicted Norwegian terrorist Anders Breivik.
Prosecutor Greg Farrell told the court that the teenager had contacted the mosque’s Imam under the guise of converting to Islam. He joined in congregational prayers, gained trust, and was allowed to move freely inside the building, during which time he filmed the premises, according to British media.
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Communications retrieved from messaging apps revealed the boy had written about “infiltrating” the mosque and asked an acquaintance to livestream the planned arson attack. He also drafted a manifesto, indicating his intent to carry out the attack when the mosque was most crowded.
On January 23, he left his home dressed in black, carrying a camouflage rucksack. His mother was reportedly concerned. When confronted by police at the mosque entrance, which was locked, he said, “I don’t want to hurt you,” before revealing the contents of his bag.
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A search of his home uncovered extremist material, including a copy of Mein Kampf, airsoft weapons, knives, bomb-making instructions, and religious texts.
The teenager pleaded guilty to charges under the Terrorism Act. Sentencing was deferred until next month. He remains in custody.
Source: Agencies
