A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police has confirmed that “no further action” will be taken on the matter. Mo Chara is still facing an individual terrorism charge over a separate video that allegedly depicts him flying a Hezbollah flag.
A representative from the Metropolitan Police has confirmed that Kneecap will not face charges over a clip which was being investigated by counter-terrorism police from one of the band’s shows in 2023. The video allegedly featured them saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
“A thorough investigation has now been completed by detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command, which included interviewing an individual under caution and seeking early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. A range of offences were considered as part of the investigation,” they said. “However, given the time elapsed between the events in the video and the video being brought to police attention, any potential summary only offences were beyond the statutory time limit for prosecution.
“Relevant indictable offences were considered by the investigation team and, based on all of the current evidence available, a decision has been made that no further action will be taken at this time.”
The news comes just a day after the band’s Glastonbury set on Saturday.
A new criminal investigation has now been launched over the band’s performance at the festival, Avon and Somerset Police has said.
Kneecap member Mo Chara, a.k.a. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, still faces individual charges for a different video under investigation by counter-terrorism police, which allegedly sees him waving a Hezbollah flag onstage in 2024.
Chara appeared before London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 June, where he was granted unconditional bail for the charge. His hearing date is set for 20 August.