Kneecap footage being assessed by counter-terrorism police

Footage of rap group Kneecap allegedly calling for the dying of British MPs is being assessed by counter-terrorism police.

A video has emerged of the west Belfast trio at a November 2023 gig showing to point out one particular person from the band saying: “The one good Tory is a lifeless Tory. Kill your native MP.”

The Metropolitan Police additionally stated that one other video, from November final yr, is being assessed. The footage appeared to point out a band member shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a efficiency in London.

Kneecap have stated on social media that they’ve “confronted a co-ordinated smear marketing campaign”.

Each Hamas and Hezbollah are banned within the UK and it’s a crime to precise assist for them.

A Met Police spokesperson stated: “We had been made conscious of a video on 22 April, believed to be from an occasion in November 2024, and it has been referred to the Counter Terrorism Web Referral Unit (CTIRU) for evaluation and to find out whether or not any additional police investigation could also be required.

“We’ve additionally been made conscious of one other video believed to be from an occasion in November 2023.”

A UK authorities spokesman stated: “We unequivocally condemn threatening remarks made in direction of any particular person.

“Political intimidation and abuse should have no place in our society. We recognise the chilling impact that harassment and intimidation of elected representatives can have on our democracy.

“All experiences of intimidation, harassment and threats are taken extraordinarily severely. We work with the police and Parliament to do all the things in our energy to crack down on threats to elected officers.”

Democratic Unionist Social gathering chief Gavin Robinson referred to as for Kneecap to be investigated.

“Selling sectarianism, glorifying violence and spreading division underneath the guise of “artwork” remains to be hate,” the Belfast East MP stated in a publish on X.

Not one of the members of the group have been charged with any offences.

The group has confronted latest criticism after they displayed messages concerning the struggle in Gaza throughout their set at US music pageant Coachella earlier this month.

Following former X Issue choose Sharon Osbourne calling for Kneecap’s US work visas to be revoked, the band was dropped by its now-former sponsor and reserving agent Unbiased Artist Group (IAG). The company confirmed the cut up to The Hollywood Reporter.

Kneecap hit again on the visa name, and when requested by BBC Information NI for a response, the band replied: “Statements aren’t aggressive, murdering 20,000 youngsters is although.”

The visas held by the band members are understood to not be legitimate and they’re within the strategy of securing a brand new sponsor forward of its sellout October tour in North America.

Kneecap, made up of Liam Og Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Caireallain and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, alleged on social media they’ve “confronted a co-ordinated smear marketing campaign”, saying their reveals have beforehand “referred to as out” the battle in Gaza.

Additionally they appeared to recommend they might be taking authorized motion in opposition to the “malicious efforts”.

Earlier within the week, Kneecap’s supervisor Daniel Lambert stated the band had obtained “extreme” dying threats after Coachella.