Photo Credit: Ethan Wilkinson
The Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism unit is now actively investigating Irish rap group Kneecap’s online videos. The investigation comes after videos surfaced of the group saying “kill Tory MPs.” The group also expressed support for Hamas and Hezbollah, which are proscribed terrorist organizations in the United Kingdom.
The investigation was triggered by two videos, one from a 2023 performance with the statement “up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” Another video from a 2024 concert in London shows a member of the trio appearing to say on stage “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed they were looking into the videos as there are “grounds for further investigation into potential offenses.”
“The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and inquiries remain ongoing at this time,” the Met Police spokesperson said in a statement. No charges or arrests have been made at this time.
Several Kneecap concerts have been canceled in the UK and Europe following the controversy. After their statements on stage at Coachella, the group lost their US work visa after their sponsor, booking agency Independent Artist Group (IAG), dropped them as clients. Once IAG ended its relationship, the sponsorship was revoked and their visas became invalid.
Kneecap has denied supporting Hamas or Hezbollah and claims their comments have been misrepresented. They have also issued statements expressing regret to the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and David Amess, stating that they do not endorse violence.
The controversy around the group has sparked calls from politicians in the UK for Kneecap to be removed from festival lineups including Glastonbury. Meanwhile, many artists and musicians have signed open letters supporting the group’s right to free speech.
