A Birmingham man was found guilty of plotting a terrorist attack on a mosque and bookshop. Jason Savage, 35, was convicted after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Savage, 35, had been researching and planning the attacks since March 2022. He converted to Islam in the 2010s but followed a violent interpretation of the Salafi movement.
Prosecutors explained that Savage aimed at a Salafi cleric who criticized Islamist extremism. This was against Savage’s twisted beliefs.
The jury saw a video made by Savage just days before his arrest. In it, he walked around the mosque and bookshop, noting entry points and police routes.
Savage also watched violent videos and researched how to kill with a knife. He looked into making gun parts and scouted military buildings and police stations.
Before his arrest, he changed his WhatsApp profile to “Lone Wolf,” signaling his intent to act alone. On the day he was arrested, his messages became more alarming.
In a voice note, he told a friend he would “see him in paradise,” believing his actions would lead to his death. However, that friend was actually an undercover police officer.
Savage was arrested hours later on a Birmingham street. He was charged under the Terrorism Act for preparing acts of terrorism. Police found a modified knife at his home.
Detective Chief Superintendent Alison Hurst stated that Savage’s arrest was urgent due to his concerning behavior. Thanks to quick police action, a potential attack was stopped.
Savage is set to be sentenced on April 4.
