A British man who played a key role in stirring up violent protests last summer has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Andrew McIntyre, 39, was found guilty of encouraging disorder and criminal damage after he used social media to rally people to violence.
The trouble began after a tragic knife attack in Southport, England, where a suspect killed three young girls and injured others. Soon after, McIntyre set up a Telegram channel called “Southport Wake Up,” which was filled with hateful posts targeting immigrants, Muslims, Jews, and others. He urged people to take to the streets and even pointed out a mosque as a target, calling for “war.” His posts fueled an already tense situation and led to violent riots.
On July 30, a mob attacked the mosque McIntyre had singled out, leading to clashes with police and injuries to several officers. Riots spread across the country, with violent protests and destruction continuing for days. McIntyre’s calls for violence didn’t stop there. He later posted threats against several groups and even shared a photo of himself giving a Nazi salute.
The police found that McIntyre had been actively involved in organizing riots in Southport and Liverpool. He was arrested with a knife in August. Investigators discovered disturbing material at his home, including a copy of Hitler’s manifesto.
In the days following McIntyre’s sentencing, Elon Musk, the billionaire behind X (formerly Twitter), expressed support for McIntyre. He criticized the seven-year prison sentence on social media, claiming it was unfair. His post was seen by millions of people and sparked debate about free speech. Musk has been known for defending far-right voices and promoting controversial figures, and his comments about McIntyre’s case raised eyebrows.
Experts have pointed out that while Musk defends people’s right to free speech, including those with extremist views, it’s essential to draw a line when people incite violence. McIntyre’s actions were not about sharing opinions, but about encouraging real harm, which is why he’s facing prison time.
This case has become an example of the danger of spreading hate and violence online. McIntyre’s extreme views and actions hurt communities and caused chaos, but his sentencing also highlights a broader conversation about how far freedom of speech should go when it leads to harm.
