Trainee Nurse Found Guilty of Plotting Deadly Attack on St James's Hospital in Leeds

In a chilling case that has gripped the nation, Mohammad Sohail Farooq, a 28-year-old trainee nurse, was found guilty of attempting to launch an ISIS-inspired suicide attack on St James's Hospital in Leeds. The plot, which involved a homemade bomb and various weapons, was foiled by the compassionate intervention of a hospital patient. The harrowing details of Farooq's plans and the dramatic turn of events that led to his arrest were revealed during his trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Farooq, who had immersed himself in extremist Islamic ideology, was arrested in January 2023 outside the hospital with a viable bomb. The device, made from a pressure cooker containing 9.9kg of low explosive, was intended to cause maximum devastation. Additional items, including two knives, black tape, and an imitation firearm with blank ammunition, were also found on him or in his car. Farooq's intent was clear: to seek martyrdom through a murderous terrorist attack.

However, his deadly plan was thwarted by a "simple act of kindness" from Nathan Newby, a patient at the hospital. As Farooq stood outside the Gledhow Wing of St James's Hospital, Newby approached him and engaged him in conversation. This unexpected human connection led Farooq to abandon his plan. "That simple act of kindness almost certainly saved many lives that night," said prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford KC during the trial.

Farooq had initially planned to attack RAF Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire but switched targets after reconnaissance trips revealed the military site was too well-guarded. He followed guidance from a terrorist manual advising lone wolves to have multiple plans for their attacks. Farooq’s backup plan involved luring people to the hospital car park with a bomb threat text, which fortunately was not seen until almost an hour later, preventing a full-scale evacuation.

Why this matters: The significance of this case extends beyond the immediate threat it posed. It highlights the growing concern of radicalization and the potential for lone-wolf attacks inspired by extremist ideologies. Farooq's actions were influenced by antisemitic content he consumed on social media platforms like TikTok, underlining the dangerous role that online radicalization plays in modern terrorism. His case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by individuals who self-radicalize and the importance of community vigilance.

Additionally, the case underscores the critical role that ordinary citizens can play in preventing terrorist attacks. Nathan Newby's intuitive and compassionate response to Farooq's suspicious behavior exemplifies how simple acts of kindness and attentiveness can have profound and life-saving impacts. Newby's intervention not only prevented a tragedy but also provided a powerful counter-narrative to the hatred and violence espoused by extremists.

After deliberating for less than two hours, the jury found Farooq guilty. During the trial, it was revealed that Farooq had been carrying out a secret poison pen campaign against colleagues after being made to repeat a year of his course due to poor attendance and failed exams. This campaign included sending malicious messages and attempting to tarnish their reputations. The evidence painted a picture of a man deeply disgruntled with his life, who turned to extremist ideology as a means of finding purpose and a twisted form of justice.

The prosecution detailed how Farooq had watched antisemitic videos on TikTok and photographed a plaque commemorating Jewish links to the hospital. This behavior was part of his broader radicalization process, which ultimately led him to plot the attack. His conviction is a testament to the diligent work of law enforcement and the legal system in identifying and prosecuting individuals who pose a significant threat to public safety.

Key Takeaways

• Mohammad Sohail Farooq, a trainee nurse, was found guilty of attempting to carry out an ISIS-inspired suicide attack on St James's Hospital in Leeds.
• Farooq's plot was thwarted by Nathan Newby, a patient who engaged him in conversation and persuaded him to abandon his plan.
• Farooq had originally planned to attack RAF Menwith Hill but switched targets due to high security at the military site.
• The case highlights the dangers of online radicalization, with Farooq consuming antisemitic content on social media platforms like TikTok.
• The intervention by an ordinary citizen, Nathan Newby, exemplifies how simple acts of kindness and vigilance can prevent catastrophic events.