Just Announced: Trump Unloads On UK After Suspects Walk Free Near Base

The Bail Decision Sparks Outrage

London faced sharp criticism from President Donald Trump following the bail release of five terrorist suspects. The men were arrested Sunday near RAF Fairford, a key base for US heavy bombers. Trump stated he would have kept the suspects detained instead of letting them go.

The suspects are all UK nationals in their 20s from London. They were arrested after three vans were seen moving toward the air base. British counterterrorism police declared a major incident and took over the case.

“I would have said, ‘Don’t let them have bail,'” Trump said in the Oval Office. He expressed surprise at the move, noting the US and UK work closely together. “I’m surprised that they released them,” he told reporters.

Trump emphasized that American officials know the suspects well. “We know everything about them. We would not have released them,” he added. He praised the British for their past cooperation but questioned this specific decision.

Laurence Taylor, head of UK counterterrorism policing, announced the release at a Monday press conference. He said the men were released after “extensive interviews and inquiries.” Taylor stated that the vans underwent thorough inspection backed by military resources and forensic specialists.

No charges have been filed against the men yet. Taylor stated the investigation was not over and “multiple lines of inquiry” were still being probed.

US Officials Respond to the Release

British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the event a foiled terrorist attack. She said the scene was “now safe” and hailed the bust as a major victory. Mahmood issued a warning to those who plot violence on their soil.

“To all those who mean us harm and plot violence on our soil, let this be a reminder you will never defeat us,” she said.

US officials remain watchful of the situation. An Air Force spokesperson told the Washington Examiner they were aware of the reporting. The spokesperson said they could not discuss specifics for operational security reasons.

“U.S. Air Forces in Europe remains vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our U.S. service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” the spokesperson said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the incident later. He said the event “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor.” NBC News noted that British officials have not confirmed this allegation.

The incident disrupted life in the quiet rural community of the Cotswolds. Police blocked the area while they searched the vehicles and interviewed the men.

The investigation continues as authorities look into the suspects’ links. According to reports, the men might have served as proxies for a foreign government. He alluded to Iran in his remarks about the potential threat.

The US has not confirmed any specific foreign involvement in the plot. However, the arrest occurred near a base used to facilitate strikes on Iran. This location adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing probe.

Trump’s comments highlight a sharp difference in approach to security. He argued that releasing the men was a mistake given what the US knows. His stance reflects a broader debate on how to handle terror suspects on bail.

The five men remain on bail while police follow new leads. Authorities are examining the vans and other evidence collected at the scene. No timeline has been set for when charges might be filed.

This event tests the close security ties between the US and the UK. Both nations agree on the threat but differ on the immediate response to the suspects. The outcome of this investigation will be watched closely by officials on both sides of the Atlantic.