Newcastle, England — Three men linked to an extreme right-wing group have been convicted of plotting acts of terrorism aimed at mosques and Islamic centers, with intentions fueled by a belief in an impending race war.
Brogan Stewart, 25, Marco Pitzettu, 25, and Christopher Ringrose, 34, were found guilty of various terrorism and firearms offenses. Their actions came to light after an extensive investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, which revealed their plans for a violent attack motivated by extremist ideologies.
The group operated within an online forum that encouraged the sharing of hateful rhetoric and celebrated notorious individuals known for committing atrocities. Investigators uncovered discussions among the men about potential targets, including places of worship for Islamic communities and Jewish synagogues. They were found to be preparing for what they anticipated as a violent societal conflict, amassing body armor, food rations, and a significant stockpile of weaponry.
Law enforcement officials seized over 200 weapons from their residences, which included machetes, hunting knives, swords, and crossbows, along with items like riot gear and body armor. Additionally, Pitzettu had acquired an illegal stun gun, and plans were in motion to obtain a 3D-printed firearm.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley of Counter Terrorism Policing North East condemned the men’s actions, describing their ideology as profoundly racist and violent. He emphasized the importance of their arrest, noting that their claims of discussions being mere fantasy were disproven by their tangible preparations for an attack. “Through our collaborative efforts, we managed to infiltrate the group and prevent any harm to innocent individuals,” Dunkerley stated.
Bethan David, who leads the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter Terrorism Division, articulated the gravity of the situation, revealing that the men drew inspiration from historical fascism and supremacist ideologies. She warned that had Ringrose completed his construction of a 3D-printed semi-automatic weapon, the potential threat could have escalated significantly.
The prosecution’s evidence included unsettling conversations on social media platforms and the acquisition of military-grade equipment. The coordinated investigative efforts led to a strong case against the trio, resulting in their convictions and underscoring the pressing threat of extremism in society.
With these convictions, authorities remain committed to safeguarding communities from extremist violence and ensuring that those who prepare for acts of terrorism are held accountable. The case has broader implications for counter-terrorism efforts, reinforcing the ongoing need for vigilance against hateful ideologies.