A man known as ‘Lone Wolf’ was convicted of planning terror attacks. He targeted police, military, and a mosque, revealing his intentions to an undercover officer.
Savage, 35, did some serious research on firearms and knives. He even watched disturbing Islamic State videos. He was planning to attack a mosque and a bookstore.
When he was arrested in March, he told a friend he would see him in paradise. He thought his actions would lead to his death. Little did he know, he was talking to an undercover officer.
Savage denied the charges but was found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court. He will be sentenced on April 4.
The prosecutor explained that Savage converted to Islam in the 2010s. He followed a violent interpretation of the Salafi movement, which is linked to groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS.
Nearby, there was a Salafi mosque that had a different approach. Savage even threatened the cleric and his followers on Facebook.
He was in contact with an undercover officer named Abdul, who recorded Savage’s messages. By February 2024, he was watching knife fight techniques online. He wanted to “flatten” the mosque on Wright Street.
On March 9, he changed his WhatsApp status to ‘Lone Wolf’. He filmed reconnaissance videos near the mosque and bookstore, preparing for an attack.
Detective Chief Superintendent Alison Hurst said they were worried about his behavior. Thanks to their quick actions, they stopped a dangerous individual from causing harm.
