Trainee nurse sentenced for plotting terror attack on hospital

In January 2023, a man named Mohammad Farooq, who was working as a trainee nurse in Leeds, England, made headlines when he attempted to carry out an Islamic State-inspired suicide attack at St James's Hospital. Armed with a homemade pressure cooker bomb, Farooq intended to cause mass casualties, aiming to 'kill as many nurses as possible'. His actions were discovered when Nathan Newby, a patient at the hospital, noticed Farooq's suspicious behavior. In a moment of bravery, Newby initiated a conversation that ultimately led to Farooq being persuaded against detonating the device. The police were called, and Farooq was arrested outside the maternity ward, where he was found with both the bomb and an imitation firearm. During the investigation, it was revealed that Farooq had been radicalized online and had conducted extensive research into bomb-making and potential targets. His original intention was to attack RAF Menwith Hill, a military base in North Yorkshire, but after encountering heavy security, he switched to the hospital as a 'Plan B'. This change of direction was made evident through searches on his electronic devices, which indicated a growing interest in the base and hints of a vendetta against his colleagues at the hospital, fueled by a perceived grievance. After a trial, Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb sentenced Farooq to life in prison, ensuring a minimum of 37 years before he can be considered for release. She commended the crucial role played by Nathan Newby, labeling him an 'extraordinary, ordinary man' whose quick thinking may have prevented a significant tragedy. The judge highlighted the severity of Farooq's actions, expressing that he posed a grave danger to public safety and had nearly executed a devastating attack at a place dedicated to caring for vulnerable individuals. The court proceedings illuminated Farooq's self-radicalization through extremist propaganda. The investigation uncovered a substantial amount of practical and theoretical information relating to explosives, which he meticulously gathered to facilitate his attack. In light of the incident, law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of vigilance against such threats, noting that the close call could have resulted in innumerable innocent victims had it not been for the patient’s intervention. The community and authorities were relieved that a potential tragedy was averted, yet there remains a palpable concern regarding the mindsets of individuals like Farooq who may be inspired by extremist ideologies.