Jason Savage, a 35-year-old man, was found guilty of planning a terrorist attack on a Birmingham mosque and bookstore, caught on video before his arrest.
Birmingham: A man named Jason Savage planned a terrorist attack on a mosque and bookstore. He filmed himself saying, “man ain’t getting out of here.” He was found guilty of preparing for terrorist acts between March 2022 and March 2024.
Savage, 35, converted to Islam and followed a violent interpretation of the Salafi movement. Thankfully, anti-terrorism police stopped him before he could act. He recorded his plans, which could have led to many casualties.
In his video, Savage stood outside the Salafi Bookstore and Islamic Centre in Small Heath. He mentioned needing the means to carry out his plan. He filmed a reconnaissance video just days before his arrest.
While outside the mosque, he expressed concern for nearby school children. He noted, “They’ve got a school here though bro, that’s the only problem.” He was mapping out his escape route after the attack.
Prosecutors revealed that Savage targeted a Salafi cleric who opposed Islamist extremism. He had watched violent videos and researched how to kill with a knife and make gun parts.
Before his arrest, Savage changed his WhatsApp profile to “Lone Wolf,” signaling his intent to act alone. On the day of his arrest, he sent a voice note to a friend, saying he would “see him in paradise.”
Unbeknownst to him, that friend was an undercover police officer. Savage was arrested hours later in Birmingham. He was charged under the Terrorism Act 2006, and a knife was found at his home.
Savage is set to be sentenced on April 4.
