A man who walked from north-west London to the Embassy of Israel armed with knives has been convicted of planning a terrorist attack.
Abdullah Sabah Albadri, 34, was stopped by armed officers outside the diplomatic site in Kensington on 28 April last year before he could gain entry.
Counter Terrorism Policing said CCTV showed Albadri travelling from Kilburn to the embassy. Officers from the Met’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command intervened within seconds and prevented him from climbing over the gates.
Commander Helen Flanagan said: “Albadri wanted to carry out a terrorist attack at the Embassy, but thanks to the courageous and swift actions of officers on duty, they prevented him from breaching the security perimeter and stopped what could have been a deadly incident.
“I want to praise the officers’ incredible bravery and professionalism, which, remarkably, resulted in nobody being seriously injured – despite being confronted by a man armed with knives, intent on carrying out a terrorist attack.
“Those officers responded within seconds, and after his safe arrest, a thorough investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London ensured we gathered the evidence that secured this conviction.
“Sadly, the Embassy has faced various security alerts in recent times. However, CTP works closely with the Embassy and our colleagues in the Met to continuously review and strengthen protective security plans to ensure the site and the wider community is kept as safe as possible.”
Following his arrest, officers found two knives in his pockets and a note stating he intended to die “for the glory of God”.
Investigators said Albadri had researched the embassy in the days leading up to the incident and searched for terms linked to martyrdom.
Body-worn footage captured him telling officers he had “weapons” and wanted to “make a crime” inside the building.
After a two-week trial at the Old Bailey, Albadri, of no fixed address, was convicted of preparing terrorist acts and possessing bladed articles.
He will be sentenced at a later date.
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