Abdullah Albadri is in custody after being convicted of terrorism offences following a planned attack on the Israeli Embassy in London. The 34-year-old Kuwaiti national was found guilty of preparation of terrorist acts and two counts of possession of a bladed article in a public place after a trial at the Old Bailey on 1 May 2026. He is currently remanded and awaiting sentencing.

Who is Abdullah Albadri?

Abdullah Sabah Albadri is a 34-year-old Kuwaiti national who was living in the UK. According to reports, he had entered the country illegally by small boat and had a pending asylum claim at the time of the attack. He was residing in Kilburn, north-west London, before the incident. He had no prior criminal record in the UK before this case.

What Happened at the Israeli Embassy?

On 28 April 2025, Albadri travelled across London for almost an hour on foot, walking from Kilburn to the Israeli Embassy in Kensington, west London. He arrived at the embassy shortly before 6pm wearing a red-and-white shemagh wrapped around his head and face and sunglasses, concealing his identity. Upon arriving outside the embassy gates, he immediately attempted to climb the perimeter fence. Armed diplomatic protection officers detained him within seconds before he could enter the grounds. Two knives were recovered from his clothing following his arrest. The court heard he wanted to “exact revenge” for violence in Gaza and had written a martyrdom note on the day of the attack, as well as a message to his mother urging her to be proud of him.

Evidence Used in the Trial

The prosecution built its case using CCTV footage that traced Albadri’s movements across London in the hour before the attack. Digital evidence from his mobile phone showed repeated location searches for the Israeli Embassy in the days and hours leading up to the incident. Further material recovered included handwritten notes described in court as a martyrdom note, written on the day of the incident. Prosecutors argued the target was deliberately selected as a symbolic site representing the Israeli government, and that Albadri intended to use or threaten serious violence to make a political statement.

Conviction and Charges

Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Albadri was convicted on 1 May 2026 of preparation of terrorist acts contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, and two counts of possession of a bladed article in a public place. Bethan David, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division, said the evidence showed “planning and preparation” and that his actions were “driven by an intention to use violence to make a political statement.” She added that thanks to the swift actions of officers, no one was hurt.

What Sentence Could He Face?

As of the date of his conviction, Albadri had not yet been sentenced and remained in custody on remand. Preparation of a terrorist act under the Terrorism Act 2006 carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Given the serious nature of the offences, the deliberate planning involved, and the terrorism context, a significant custodial sentence is expected when he is sentenced at a later date. For information about the UK prison system and what happens to those in custody, see our guide to booking a prison visit or learn about how the Parole Board works in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Abdullah Albadri in prison?

Abdullah Albadri is in custody after being convicted on 1 May 2026 of preparing a terrorist act and possessing two knives in a public place. He attempted to climb the perimeter fence of the Israeli Embassy in London on 28 April 2025 while armed with two knives and carrying a martyrdom note.

What was Abdullah Albadri convicted of?

Abdullah Albadri was convicted of preparation of terrorist acts contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, and two counts of possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was found guilty after a trial at the Old Bailey in London on 1 May 2026.

Has Abdullah Albadri been sentenced yet?

As of 1 May 2026, Abdullah Albadri had been convicted but had not yet been sentenced. He remains in custody on remand pending sentencing. The preparation of a terrorist act carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under UK law.

What was the motive behind the Israeli Embassy attack?

Evidence presented at trial showed that Albadri was motivated by events in Gaza. He carried a martyrdom note on the day of the attack and had sent a message to his mother that morning. The court found that he intended to use violence to make a political statement targeting the Israeli government.

What nationality is Abdullah Albadri?

Abdullah Albadri is a Kuwaiti national. He was living in the UK at the time of the attack, having entered the country by small boat and submitted an asylum claim. He was residing in Kilburn, north-west London, before his arrest.