Three individuals associated with a neo-Nazi group have been sentenced to 29 years in prison for planning a terrorist attack on a mosque. Brogan Stewart, Marco Pitzettu, and Christopher Ringrose were apprehended in Leeds just before they could execute their violent scheme. The group, known for their admiration of Nazis, possessed a cache of 200 weapons, including crossbows, machetes, and knives, discovered during police raids in various locations. Notably, law enforcement found an almost finished 3D-printed assault rifle in their possession.
The trio coordinated their activities through social media platforms, primarily Facebook, with the intention of inciting racial conflict. Their plan involved training in woodland areas in Derbyshire as part of their preparation to target the al-Amin Islamic Educational Centre in Leeds. Authorities intervened when they suspected the group was advancing their strategy with the aid of firearms and explosives.
Although the men had never met in person, they were closely monitored by counter terrorism officers who had infiltrated their online network. Search operations conducted by Counter Terrorism Policing North East revealed detailed plans to target mosques, Islamic centers, and synagogues. The group’s leader, Stewart, directed the operations, while Pitzettu and Ringrose were responsible for sourcing equipment and materials.
Pitzettu, a mobile mechanic residing in Derby, was found in possession of an illegal stun gun, while Ringrose, a married father-of-two and car factory builder from Cannock, had assembled the 3D gun. Following a trial earlier this year, all three were found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism and collecting information related to terrorist activities. Ringrose faced an additional charge for manufacturing a prohibited weapon at Sheffield Crown Court.
Det Chief Supt James Dunkerley of Counter Terrorism Policing North East expressed relief at preventing a potential catastrophe, citing the group’s extremist ideologies and violent tendencies. He emphasized the significance of law enforcement intervention, underscoring the potential devastating consequences had the group proceeded with their plans unchecked.