The government of the United Kingdom is warning American citizens that it will deport them if they are caught participating in the riots that have broken out in the aftermath of rumors that an 18-year-old asylum seeker was responsible for a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event that left three girls dead.
“We will throw the full force of the law at people. And whether you’re in this country committing crimes on the streets or committing crimes from further afield online, we will come after you," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said.
Earlier this week, the London Metropolitan Police cautioned those against posting “hatred” material, threatening to throw them in jail. Footage of riots shows demonstrators clashing with anti-immigration protesters who, many, were waving Palestinian flags.
“Content that incites violence or hatred isn't just harmful - it can be illegal," the Crown Prosecution Service wrote. “The CPS takes online violence seriously and will prosecute when the legal test is met. Remind those close to you to share responsibly or face the consequences.”
The agency warned that posting violent content online is illegal, and the U.K. government takes it seriously.
Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley suggested that anyone involved in the riots—even billionaire Elon Musk—is at risk of being imprisoned.
“Being a keyboard warrior does not make you safe from the law,” Rowley said, adding that law enforcement will “physically confront” the “thugs and yobs” on the streets who are inciting violence in the streets of London.
Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley threatens to EXTRADITE and imprison American citizens over online posts.
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 9, 2024
He does not rule out Elon Musk. pic.twitter.com/AUJhEgTTtJ
The police warned that its officers are “scouring social media” looking for such material, saying that even a retweet would essentially also be committing an offense.