A video of Belfast-based rap group Kneecap is being assessed by counter-terrorism police after the group allegedly encouraged the killing of MPs. Footage has emerged from a gig in November 2023, which appears to show one member of the west Belfast group saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
The Metropolitan Police also confirmed that another video was being assessed which appeared to show a band member saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a London performance in November last year. Hamas and Hezbollah are banned in the UK and it is a crime to express support for them.
Kneecap have claimed on social media that they have “faced a coordinated smear campaign”. In a statement on Instagram, they said “recent attacks against us” were “based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods”.
The band added: “Our only concern is the Palestinian people.”
A Met Police spokesperson said: “We were made aware of a video on 22 April, believed to be from an event in November 2024, and it has been referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required.
“We have also been made aware of another video believed to be from an event in November 2023.”
A spokesperson for the UK government said: “We unequivocally condemn threatening remarks made towards any individual.
“Political intimidation and abuse must have no place in our society. We recognise the chilling effect that harassment and intimidation of elected representatives can have on our democracy.
“All reports of intimidation, harassment and threats are taken extremely seriously. We work with the police and Parliament to do everything in our power to crack down on threats to elected officials.”
The group has faced criticism after it displayed messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella earlier this month.
One message, displayed on the screen behind the stage, read: “F*** Israel, Free Palestine.”
In the aftermath, the band faced criticism, with X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne calling for the hip hop trio’s US work visas to be revoked, while Kneecap’s now-former sponsor and booking agent Independent Artist Group (IAG) dropped them.
In response, the band told BBC News NI: “Statements aren’t aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though.
The band members’ visas are understood to no longer be valid and they are attempting to secure a new sponsor ahead of Kneecap’s sellout North America tour in October.
Originating from west Belfast, band members Liam Og Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Caireallain and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, who perform under the stage names Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí appeared to suggest they would take legal action against the “malicious efforts”.
Kneecap’s manager Daniel Lambert said the band had received “severe” death threats following their performance at Coachella.
Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 back to Gaza as hostages.
In response, Israel launched a military offensive, which has reportedly killed 51,240 Palestinians, mainly civilians, as of Monday.
