Taxi, Uber rider targeted in suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh

Witnesses described scenes of alleged knife attacks targeting Muslims and people of color in Edinburgh, Scotland, with a taxi and an Uber bike courier among those reportedly assaulted. The incidents, suspected to be religiously or racially motivated, began near a mosque before moving to Leith Walk.

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My hope is whoever is living in the area, who’s afraid to leave their homes or feels unsafe, this will say ‘you’re safe, you belong here’.

Police Scotland confirmed on Saturday night that a 38-year-old white Scottish man had been charged in connection with multiple incidents. Five men, aged between 22 and 39, sustained injuries, with four requiring hospital treatment. The force's counter-terrorism unit is involved in the investigation, which also encompasses alleged threats, robbery, and vandalism, though it has not yet been officially declared a terrorist incident.

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Footage on social media appeared to show a bare-chested white man brandishing a bladed instrument kicking and hitting the door of Origano pizza takeaway as pedestrians scattered, leading to staff bringing its remotely operated shutters down.

In response, approximately 100 local residents, including political representatives and activists, gathered for a rally on Leith Walk. Climate campaigner Nat Gorodnitski, a co-organizer, stated the demonstration aimed to show that the attack was an anomaly and to assure residents they are safe and belong in the area.

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Eren recalled seeing the assailant allegedly attacking a minicab, kicking at it before apparently throwing a metal object and smashing one of the cab’s windows, terrifying a passenger, after appearing to chase pedestrians with a weapon.

Hasan Eren, owner of Best Kebab House on Leith Walk, recounted witnessing the alleged assailant attack a minicab, kicking its door and smashing a window while a passenger was inside. He then reportedly chased pedestrians with a bladed instrument before assaulting an Uber cycle courier. Eren, who has run his business for 20 years, expressed his love for Leith but stated he had never seen such violence. He noted that as police arrived, the suspect allegedly discarded the weapon and surrendered without resistance, with footage appearing to show him shouting about "protecting the country."

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The attacker then allegedly assaulted an Uber cycle courier with some form of bladed weapon, hitting him several times.