Kneecap: Counter-terror police LAUNCH investigation into Irish rap band amid ‘kill your MP’ fury
Counter-terrorism police are investigating two videos of Irish rap group Kneecap performing in London after allegations of concerning content.
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is examining footage from two separate concerts held in November 2023 and November 2024.
One video allegedly shows a member of the trio shouting support for Hamas and Hezbollah during a performance at the Kentish Town Forum last November.
A second video from November 2023 reportedly contains calls for the death of Conservative MPs.
Both incidents are now under investigation for potential offences. A Met Police statement confirmed: “Both videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences linked to both videos.”
Footage from the November 2024 concert was posted online by Danny Morris, who works for Jewish security charity the Community Security Trust.
The clips appear to show one member of Kneecap shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” during their performance at the Kentish Town Forum.
The video also allegedly shows a Hezbollah flag being displayed at the event.
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The Met Police confirmed they were made aware of this online video on 22 April.
The footage was subsequently referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers.
Following this initial investigation, police were made aware of a second video from a Kneecap performance in November 2023.
This earlier footage allegedly shows the rap trio calling for the death of Conservative MPs, according to reports from Sky News.
Like the more recent video, this footage was also referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit.
After assessment, specialist officers determined there were grounds for further investigation into potential offences linked to this 2023 performance.
The content of both videos has now prompted a full investigation by counter-terrorism officials.
The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The police became aware of the first video on 22 April, believed to be from a music event in London in November 2024.
They were subsequently alerted to the second video from November 2023.
Both incidents are now subject to ongoing enquiries by counter-terrorism specialists.
Kneecap, a Belfast-based rap group, has gained significant attention in recent years for their provocative performances and political content.
The investigation comes at a time of heightened sensitivity around statements related to proscribed terrorist organisations.
Both Hamas and Hezbollah are designated terrorist organisations under UK law.
Expressing support for such groups could potentially constitute an offence under terrorism legislation.
The Met has not yet announced any charges in connection with either incident.
Police have confirmed that “enquiries remain ongoing at this time” as they continue to assess the content of both performances.