A shirtless man armed with a machete allegedly went on a terrifying rampage through Scotland, leaving five people injured and an entire community on edge.
The violent chaos unfolded Friday in Edinburgh, where police say a 36-year-old suspect slashed two men near a mosque before allegedly moving on to attack three more people along Leith Walk.
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect.
According to reports, the man appeared to be targeting Muslims during the frightening spree. Islamic community group MEND Scotland said several of the victims were Muslim, while the Muslim Council of Britain later urged members of the community to stay alert.
“To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, and please report any Islamophobic hate crimes to the police,” a spokesperson for the group said, according to the BBC.
None of the victims’ injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
But the alleged attacks were only part of the chaos.
The same suspect is also accused of vandalizing a gas station, damaging a taxi and terrorizing a local pizzeria during the rampage.
CCTV footage reportedly showed the man knocking over shelves inside a gas station kiosk before smashing the window and windshield of a nearby vehicle.
🚨 BREAKING: A 36-year-old white Scottish man is being investigated by Counter Terrorism Police after five people were stabbed in Edinburgh
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) June 20, 2026
He said after his arrest: "I'm protecting the country from these fucking Muslim bastards raping our young daughters" pic.twitter.com/ssrecw0hgi
The machete-wielding suspect then allegedly turned up at Origano Cafe & Pizzeria on Leith Walk, where he struck the business’s door with the blade before leaving the scene.
Disturbing video shared online appeared to show the suspect being pinned to the ground as he shouted anti-Muslim remarks while officers placed him under arrest.
“I’ve told you time and time again, I’m protecting the country,” the man could be heard yelling in the footage, according to reports.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton issued a message of support after the attacks and said there is no place for hate in Scotland.
“I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in Scotland which is at its best when we stand working together,” Paton said, according to the BBC.
The frightening incident is now reportedly being investigated by counter-terrorism police.
The suspect remains in police custody.
No charges have been announced.
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was he bullet proof?