A 60-year-old far-right extremist has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for illegally selling guns to organized crime groups while plotting a ‘race war’ against Muslims and immigrants. Thomas McKenna, a lorry driver, was found using TikTok to communicate with like-minded individuals, expressing violent intentions such as “blowing things up soon.” Detectives revealed that McKenna stockpiled weapons, including explosives, in preparation for what he described as an imminent “race war” against Muslims and immigrants.
McKenna’s radical beliefs were further evidenced by his encouragement of others to arm themselves for the perceived conflict. The investigation, led by the Metropolitan Police’s specialist crimes team with assistance from counter-terror officers, uncovered McKenna’s self-taught weapon-making capabilities. He ran an established workshop where he converted firearms and experimented with explosives, indicating a readiness to carry out a significant attack akin to previous incidents.
The police raid on McKenna’s premises revealed a cache of weapons, homemade explosives, and conversion equipment, including imitation firearms and military gear. McKenna’s girlfriend, Tina Smith, was also involved in the criminal activities, assisting in making explosives and acquiring materials for weapon production. Both McKenna and Smith were sentenced for their roles in the network, along with three others, including Allan Crosby and Ryan Smith.
The dismantling of this criminal network, responsible for manufacturing and distributing illegal firearms, marks a major success for law enforcement. DCI Tipple praised the investigative efforts that led to the arrests and highlighted the impact on reducing gun-related crimes in London. The successful prosecution of key members, including individuals with a history of violence, ensures that they will be removed from the streets for an extended period, enhancing public safety.
