Thomas McKenna

A far-right extremist who stockpiled weapons and sold illegal firearms while preparing for a violent “race war” against Muslims and immigrants has been jailed for 16 years following a major UK counter-terrorism investigation.

Thomas McKenna, 60, a lorry driver originally from Glasgow, was found to be running an industrial-scale gun and bomb-making operation from caravans on a traveller site in South Ockendon, Essex. Investigators said McKenna was illegally converting blank firearms into live weapons and supplying them to organised crime groups, while also manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

According to police, McKenna used TikTok to communicate with other extremists, sharing violent anti-Muslim rhetoric and urging others to prepare for what he described as an imminent “race war.” Officers said he believed mass violence was inevitable and had escalated his preparations over several years.

A joint investigation led by the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command, supported by counter-terrorism officers, uncovered homemade explosives, firearms, military clothing, knives, extremist manuals and bomb-making materials. Police said McKenna was self-taught and had researched the conversion of automatic rifles and the construction of IEDs.

McKenna pleaded guilty to 14 charges, including making explosives, possessing prohibited firearms, conspiracy to sell weapons and collecting terrorist information. Officers said the quantity of explosives and weapons indicated a credible risk of a terror attack.

Three other members of the network, including McKenna’s partner Tina Smith, were also jailed for their roles in producing explosives and trafficking firearms. Police said dismantling the group has led to a noticeable reduction in converted firearms linked to shootings in London.

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Key Takeaways

• A far-right extremist was jailed for planning violence and selling illegal guns.

• Police uncovered an industrial-scale weapons and explosives workshop.

• Authorities say the case significantly disrupted the illegal firearms supply.

Far-right extremist caught selling guns for 'race war' against immigrants and Muslims

Throw the key away

Ok. Now, if the authorities could muster the same enthusiasm to shut down the exploitation of vulnerable minors by grooming gangs, the knife carrying/stabbing gangs, the violent scooter smash/beat and grab gangs, the collectives fomenting hate at the mosques and union halls, and the violent social activists who attack people with sledge hammers and toxic substances, the UK might be a safer place.