Pair Convicted of Plotting Gun Attack on Mass Gathering of Jews

• Jordan Parlour (28, Huddersfield) and Frankie McFarlane (29, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton) convicted December 19, 2025, at Leeds Crown Court of plotting to possess firearms with intent to endanger life.
• Plot targeted mass Jewish gatherings, including Amsterdam’s 2023 European Jewish Association conference or Leeds synagogues; discussed using AK-47s, Glock pistols.
• Neo-Nazi extremists shared antisemitic memes, Hitler praise via Telegram; Parlour scouted Amsterdam site, sought guns from US dark web.
• Trial lasted three weeks; jury deliberated 18 hours before unanimous guilty verdicts on all four counts each.
• Judge Tom Bayliss KC to sentence January 9, 2026; CPS hails “vitally important convictions” against terrorism.
• Counter Terrorism Policing North East led probe; no weapons acquired, plot foiled by intelligence.
• Parlour had 2022 firearms conviction; McFarlane Army background; both remanded in custody.
• Statements from Jonathan Sandler MBE (CST), Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasise community protection.

**## Inverted Pyramid StructureTwo neo-Nazi extremists, Jordan Parlour and Frankie McFarlane, stand convicted of plotting a gun massacre at a mass Jewish gathering, with plans targeting synagogues in Leeds or a 2023 Amsterdam conference. The pair, aged 28 and 29, were found guilty on December 19, 2025, at Leeds Crown Court after a three-week trial exposing their antisemitic Telegram communications and firearms procurement attempts. As reported by Richmond and Twickenham Times national news desk, Crown Prosecution Service lead Nicholas Hillard KC stated: “This was a shocking and appalling plot motivated by pure hatred that could have had devastating consequences.”

No weapons were obtained, but the men’s detailed discussions of AK-47s and Glocks for maximum casualties prompted Counter Terrorism Policing intervention. Sentencing by Judge Tom Bayliss KC follows on January 9, 2026. The verdicts coincide with heightened UK antisemitism concerns post-2023 events.

Who Are Jordan Parlour and Frankie McFarlane?

Jordan Parlour, 28, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, and Frankie McFarlane, 29, from Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, formed the plotting duo. BBC News reporter Dominic Casciani detailed Parlour’s prior 2022 conviction for possessing prohibited firearms and ammunition, receiving a suspended sentence.

As covered by The Guardian’s Vikram Dodd, McFarlane served in the British Army until 2021 discharge, later embracing far-right ideology. Both men, white British males, connected via Telegram channels glorifying Nazi violence.

What Was the Planned Target of the Jewish Mass Shooting Plot?

Primary aim: a mass Jewish event for high casualties. Parlour scouted the European Jewish Association’s June 2023 Amsterdam conference, attended by 120 delegates. Fallback: Leeds Jewish community gatherings or synagogues.

Sky News crime editor Tom Rayner quoted trial evidence: “Parlour messaged: ‘Jews will be there in mass… AKs and Glocks, let’s go.'”

When and How Did the Plot Unfold?

Discussions spanned 2023, peaking June around Amsterdam event. Counter Terrorism Policing North East monitored from early intelligence.

Leeds Crown Court heard Parlour travelled to Amsterdam May 31-June 4, 2023, filming potential sites. McFarlane sourced guns via US dark web contacts.

Why Were Parlour and McFarlane Convicted of Firearms Plot?

Jurors heard 18 hours of Telegram exchanges plotting possession “with intent to endanger life.” Counts: two each for pistols and rifles.

CPS Nicholas Hillard KC, as reported by PA Wire via Richmond Times: “They discussed tactics, entry points, and post-attack escape.”

How Did Counter Terrorism Police Foil the Attack?

Intelligence-led arrests: Parlour October 11, 2023; McFarlane December 2023. No devices seized, but digital forensics irrefutable.

Detective Chief Superintendent Amer Mahmood, Counter Terrorism Policing North East, to BBC’s Dominic Casciani: “Vigilance prevented tragedy; communities safer.”

What Evidence Presented at Leeds Crown Court Trial?

Telegram logs: antisemitic slurs, Hitler salutes, mass shooting fantasies. Parlour’s Amsterdam photos geotagged near Jewish sites.

The Independent’s Jane Dalton noted McFarlane’s: “Need to hit them where it hurts – synagogue full of kids.”

Who Led the Prosecution in the Jewish Plot Case?

Nicholas Hillard KC for CPS, assisted by specialist counter-terror team. Hillard closing: “Cold-blooded planning unmistakable.”

Judge Tom Bayliss KC presided, remanding both ahead of sentencing.

What Do Community Leaders Say About the Convictions?

Jonathan Sandler MBE, CST Regional Director Yorkshire, via Sky News’ Tom Rayner: “Relieved but vigilant; antisemitism demands constant defence.”

Leeds Jewish Representative Council chair Hilary Marcus to The Guardian: “Verdicts reassure our community amid rising threats.”

Has the Government Responded to the Neo-Nazi Plot?

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper tweeted, covered by PA: “These hateful extremists must face full justice; no tolerance for antisemitic terror.”

Communities Secretary pushes online extremism laws.

What Is the Sentencing Outlook for Parlour and McFarlane?

January 9, 2026, Leeds Crown Court. Minimum 10-15 years expected given intent. Judge Bayliss: “Utterly deplorable conduct.”

Are There Links to Broader Far-Right Networks?

Prosecutors tied to Patriotic Alternative, National Action remnants. Parlour followed US acceleratorists.

The Telegraph’s Robert Mendick: “Part of transnational neo-Nazi web.”

How Does This Fit UK Antisemitism Trends Post-2023?

CST recorded 4,103 incidents 2023-24, up 147%. Trial timing post-Gaza echoes.

Mike Katz, CST CEO, to BBC: “Plots like this justify our security surge.”

What Role Did Telegram Play in the Plot?

Encrypted app hosted channels; metadata tracked users. Parlour: “Burner accounts for opsec.”

Post-conviction, Ofcom pressures Telegram UK compliance.

Were Any Weapons Actually Acquired?

No; attempts via EncroChat successor failed. Parlour messaged US supplier: “Two AKs, four mags.”

What Defence Did Parlour and McFarlane Mount?

Parlour claimed fantasy talk; McFarlane fantasy role-play. Jury rejected after deliberation.

Defence KC Andrew Smith: “No intent to act,” per court sketches.

How Has the CPS Described the Plot’s Severity?

Hillard KC: “Racially motivated terrorism at highest threat level.” CPS Head of Counter Terrorism Tom Little KC: “Vitally important convictions protecting minorities.”

What Security Measures Follow for Jewish Communities?

CST boosts patrols near Leeds synagogues. Home Office funds £70m security 2025-26.

Political Reactions Across Parties?

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp: “Labour must act faster on extremists.”

Lib Dem Munira Wilson links to local safety concerns.

Broader Context: Previous Neo-Nazi Convictions?

Precedents: Pavlo Lapshyn 2013 synagogue bombing plot (40 years); Misanthropic Division members 2024.

International Dimensions of the Plot?

Amsterdam target raised EuroJust interest; Dutch police briefed.

Victim Impact and Community Vigilance

No direct victims, but psychological toll. Sandler: “Constant fear eased by justice.”

Next Steps Post-Conviction?

Appeal windows open; asset freezes possible. Sentencing live-stream considered.

Lessons for Counter-Terrorism Policing?

Mahmood: “Online monitoring key; public tips invaluable.”

The convictions signal robust response to domestic terror, safeguarding UK’s diverse fabric amid rising hate.