The daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess has praised “swift action taken by law enforcement” after counter-terror police confirmed they’re investigating claims the band Kneecap known as for individuals to kill their MPs.
The Metropolitan Police revealed on Thursday that its Counter Terrorism Web Referral Unit has discovered “there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences” in connection to 2 movies of the rap group.
The primary, believed to be from a Kneecap gig at London’s Kentish City Discussion board in November 2024, allegedly reveals one member of the band shouting: “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.
The second, regarded as from a separate live performance in November 2023, reportedly sees one other say: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Sir David, Conservative MP for Southend-on-Sea, was murdered by Ali Harbi Ali at his constituency surgical procedure in Leigh-on-Sea in October 2021.
It was the second homicide of a British MP in lower than 10 years, following the homicide of Labour’s Jo Cox by Thomas Mair in 2016.
Picture:
Sir David Amess. Pic: PA
Picture:
Jo Cox. Pic: PA
Beforehand the Met mentioned it was assessing whether or not the 2 clips of the Irish language trio met the edge for an investigation.
Katie Amess mentioned in response to their choice on Thursday to pursue an investigation: “Kneecap’s rhetoric is not only abhorrent but poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of elected officials and the democratic institutions they represent.
“The glorification and incitement of violence haven’t any place in our society and should be unequivocally condemned.
“I commend the swift action taken by law enforcement agencies in addressing this and urge a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of any criminal activity.”
She added that musicians “must be held accountable” for rhetoric that “incites violence and hatred” and that cultural venues ought to “not be exploited to propagate messages of hate”.
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Kneecap feedback ‘harmful and heartbreaking’
In a press release posted on Instagram, the group – made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh – addressed the households of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, saying: “We never intended to cause you hurt.”
However Ms Amess accused them of “gaslighting”, saying their feedback had been “absurd” and “not an apology”.
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Katie Amess along with her MP father Sir David Amess
Dozens of artists come out in assist
Because the controversy emerged amid a backlash over their efficiency at US competition Coachella, wherein they displayed the message “Free Israel. Free Palestine”, greater than 40 artists have come out to assist them.
Paul Weller, Primal Scream and DJ Annie Mac are among the many music stars to have signed an open letter claiming there was a “clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately de-platform” the band.
Kneecap had their live performance on the Eden Undertaking in Cornwall cancelled on Wednesday.
In its assertion on Thursday, the Met Police confirmed: “Both videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences linked to both videos.
“The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and inquiries stay ongoing right now.”
