Anti-Racism Activist Targets of Attempted Break-in Following Far-Right Social Media Threats

LONDON — An anti-racism activist in north-east London woke up to a terrifying attempt to break into her home, just days after she was targeted with online threats and doxed by far-right figures. Ulrike Schmidt, a local organizer with Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) and Amnesty International, reported that she was woken at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024, by someone trying to force entry into her property.

Passersby Intervene to Stop Intruder

The attempt was thwarted when local residents walking to morning prayers at a nearby mosque spotted the suspect and challenged him. The intruder fled the scene, smashing the window of a parked vehicle as he ran. Schmidt expressed deep gratitude to the neighbors who intervened, noting that the incident could have been far worse had they not been there. Initially, the Metropolitan Police did not attend the property to investigate, but officers were dispatched to the scene following inquiries from journalists.

Linked to Far-Right Online Harassment

The attempted break-in came after Schmidt was targeted on social media. A video showing her applauding a speech by a Labour councillor, Ricky Jones—who was later arrested for calling for the throats of far-right rioters to be cut—was heavily circulated on X (formerly Twitter). Following the post, Schmidt received a wave of abusive messages, including one user who posted her home address and declared that she would be 'dealt with.' The incident highlights the growing physical dangers faced by community organizers amidst heightened far-right tensions in the UK.