UK Counter-Terror Police to investigate KNEECAP

UK counter-terrorism police have said they will investigate KNEECAP after the emergence of videos allegedly showing band members shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”

"On April 22, we were made aware of an online video believed to be from a music event in London in November 2024," reads a statement from the Met Police.

“Following this, we were made aware of a further video, believed to be from another music event in London in November 2023.

“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 remain ongoing at this time.”

In a statement published on Tuesday, the band apologised to families of murdered MPs, but said that the situation has been tuned into a "smear campaign", and that they have “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah.

Speaking on RTÉ's Prime Time earlier this week, KNEECAP manager Daniel Lambert defended the band, saying that they "stand on the right side of history" with their outspoken stance on Palestine.

"Children are starving to death, and we're spending six or seven days talking about KNEECAP," he added. "We spent less than a day talking about fifteen executed medics."

On Wednesday, KNEECAP's label Heavenly recordings published an open letter signed by the likes of Fontaines D.C., Christy Moore and Paul Weller, in support of KNEECAP and artistic freedom of expression.

The footage for which KNEECAP are reportedly being investigated surfaced shortly after the trio's performances in Coachella last month, where they displayed messages such as "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people" and "Fuck Israel, Free Palestine."

The Belfast three-piece have since come under scrutiny from leading politicians and had a number of upcoming gigs cancelled by organisers.