IS supporter who torched McGregor's pub and stabbed Garda jailed

A self-proclaimed "jihadi" who set fire to Conor McGregor's pub and stabbed a police officer from behind has been jailed for six-and-a-half years. According to the Mirror, Abdullah Khan, 24, pleaded guilty to eight offences, including engaging in terrorist activity, criminal damage, and assault causing harm ^[1]. The attacks took place in Dublin last July, targeting An Garda Síochána officers and the Black Forge Inn, a venue owned by the UFC star.

The Daily Star reported that Khan screamed "Allahu Akbar" before knifing Garda Gary Lynch on Capel Street, an incident the court described as unprovoked ^[2]. Following his arrest, Khan admitted to dousing the front of the McGregor-owned pub with accelerant and igniting it with matches days earlier. He told investigators he was motivated by anger over perceived insults to the Prophet Mohammed and believed McGregor had helped grow the far right in Ireland.

The non-jury Special Criminal Court, led by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, heard that Khan had been radicalised around the age of 19 or 20. He cited inspiration from Al Zarqawi, the founder of the Islamist terror group ISIS, and expressed support for the so-called Islamic State during interviews. Despite these ideological drivers, the court was told Khan struggled with mental health issues and dismissed doctors and psychiatrists as a "sham".

Garda Lynch described feeling a sharp pain on his right side before turning to see Khan holding a blade close to his chest. The officer lost sensation in his arm and required stitches, describing the moment as a life-threatening fear when he saw the knife near his body. Ms Justice O'Connor noted that the CCTV footage of the incident made for "disturbing viewing" and highlighted that young children were present at the scene.

Sentencing Khan to seven-and-a-half years, with the final year suspended, the judge ruled the attacks were premeditated. Khan arrived at the pub with accelerant, rags, and matches, and armed himself with a knife for the stabbing. He will be subject to probation supervision for four years after his release. Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Woods commended the bravery of Garda Lynch and his colleague, Garda Patrick Nevin, stating the case highlights the need for vigilance against extreme ideologies ^[1].