UK Man Charged with Terrorism and Murder of Politician

<p>British prosecutors announced terrorism charges on October 2, 2026, against a 28-year-old man, Joshua Kerry, who is already in custody for the alleged murder of a conservative politician. The Crown Prosecution Service charged Kerry with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, accusing him of engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage MP.</p><p>Kerry has been in custody since late July after being arrested for the murder of former Reform UK and Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe. Prosecutors allege that Widdecombe was attacked in her Devon home on July 8, where Kerry allegedly beat her 21 times in the head with a hammer, took her wallet, and left within two minutes.</p><p>Authorities state that the latest charges against Kerry are related to events occurring between May 31 and July 8. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counterterrorism Policing, stated that the charge is a result of extensive work by investigators across the Counterterrorism Policing network, involving detectives, analysts, and forensic experts.</p><p>U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her concern over the new charges against Kerry, stating on X that an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on all. She emphasized that this case raises serious questions about the security of public figures.</p><p>The Jo Cox Foundation, established in memory of the Labour MP who was murdered in 2016, commented that no one in public life should fear for their safety and that violence and intimidation threaten democracy.</p><p>Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.</p><p>Separately, Counterterrorism Policing announced charges against two Iranian men, Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi, accused of plotting to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area. They were charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, allegedly in contact with an overseas third party possibly in Iran. Evans described these charges as extremely serious but reiterated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.</p><p>Ahmadyan and Salehi have been remanded and are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.</p>