Man arrested over threatening to shoot Farage in social media post

Police have arrested a man in connection with an alleged threat made against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage via a social media post. The arrest, which occurred in south London earlier this week, involved a man in his 20s taken into custody on suspicion of sending threatening communications to a Member of Parliament. He has since been released on bail pending further investigation.

The incident stems from a post made on the social media platform X on May 8, the day after local and mayoral elections. The Met Police's Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team informed Farage of the arrest on Wednesday. This action marks a significant development, as Farage noted it was the first time police had proactively acted on such a social media threat.

“

This is the first time the police have ever proactively acted on a social media post, and I hope they are looking at the other three or four hundred similar posts from this year alone.

Farage voiced his hope that authorities would examine the "three or four hundred similar posts" he has reportedly received this year alone. The arrest comes amid heightened security concerns for political figures. Reform UK's home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, stated that a Reform UK government would implement "round-the-clock protection" for all Members of Parliament. Yusuf also emphasized that Farage "lives his life under the ever-present threat of mortal danger," urging those who question his security needs to reconsider.

“

lives his life under the ever-present threat of mortal danger