The deadly end of ‘incel’ terrorism

HE brutal killings in Plymouth have focused attention on two dangers that must be addressed.

First, unstable individuals can still gain access to firearms. Second, a sordid internet subculture constitutes a clear threat to public safety.

Killer Jake Davison made reference to “incels” in online videos.these are men who describe themselves as “involuntary celibate”, blame women for this situation, and who vent their frustration on the internet with vile misogyny – which can degenerate into realworld violence.

In 2018,Alek Minassian killed 10 people in Toronto when he drove a van into pedestrians. Before going on his rampage, he posted online that the “incel rebellion” was underway.

Minassian praised Elliot Rodger, a student in California who in 2014 murdered six people. Rodger had described in detail his loathing for women and his frustration at his virginity.

It is manifestly clear that extremists in this subculture are devoted to an ideology which they are prepared to advance using violence. This constitutes terrorism.

People in Plymouth and far beyond will want to know why the police returned Davison’s confiscated gun and permit last month after he took an anger management course.

Surely the right to possess a lethal weapon should be revoked on a “one strike and you’re out” basis?

We owe it to the families of the victims that we do everything we can to stop men being drawn into this foul movement which has already caused so much pain.