UK Internet User Alerts Police, Averts School Attack in Ukraine

A tip-off from an internet user in the United Kingdom resulted in the arrest of a 15-year-old boy in Ukraine, who was reportedly planning to livestream a school massacre. The individual alerted the authorities after discovering a post online that featured the boy holding a knife and expressing his intent to carry out the attack.

Counter-terrorism officers recognized the immediacy of the threat and promptly contacted Europol, which facilitated communication with Ukrainian authorities. The suspect was arrested in Zakarpattia, a western region of Ukraine, on March 1, 2024. During the arrest, police recovered two large combat knives and various other weapons from the boy’s backpack.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the boy was apprehended while attempting to enter a school and was livestreaming his intentions at that moment. He had also made several posts on social media outlining his plans. The ministry praised the rapid response of law enforcement, stating, “Police did not waste a single minute” in deploying security measures at the school.

Commander Dominic Murphy from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command called the investigation “remarkable” and emphasized that swift action was crucial in preventing a “potentially devastating attack.” He noted the exceptional collaboration between UK and Ukrainian authorities, stating, “Thanks to our collective efforts, lives have almost certainly been saved.”

Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine due to the war with Russia, Ukrainian police responded quickly to the threat. Murphy commended their dedication, saying, “It’s all the more remarkable when you consider the incredible difficulties those in Ukraine are facing while fighting a war.”

The incident underscores the importance of international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Murphy highlighted the role of public vigilance, encouraging citizens to report any concerning material. “As we’ve seen here, it could help save lives,” he said.

Currently, investigations are ongoing as authorities assess the extent of the boy’s plans and motives. The swift action taken by both UK and Ukrainian law enforcement illustrates the critical need for vigilance and collaboration in addressing threats to public safety.