A man who entered the UK on a small boat and made a chilling threat to kill Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been sentenced to five years in prison. Fayaz Khan, 26, was convicted for making a threatening TikTok video in which he pointed to an AK-47 tattoo on his face while naming Farage and saying he would “pop, pop, pop” the politician.
The Threat and the TikTok Post
In October 2024, Khan, who had crossed the English Channel on a black inflatable boat with 64 other migrants, posted the video on TikTok. In the video, he directed a gun gesture towards his tattoo and referred to Farage as an “Englishman,” threatening to shoot him. “I’m going to pop, pop, pop him,” Khan said, adding to the disturbing nature of the post.
Farage himself described the threat as “pretty chilling,” expressing genuine concern for his safety due to Khan’s apparent proximity to firearms and his “love of guns.”
False Identity and Background
The court heard that Khan, who initially provided authorities with a false name, was actually identified as 31-year-old Fayaz Husseini. Prosecutors revealed that Khan had used the false name because he had “enemies” and did not want them to find him. It was also suggested that Khan’s criminal history in Sweden played a role in his decision to provide misleading details about his identity.
Khan’s journey to the UK, which he livestreamed to a large audience, highlighted his intent to encourage others to undertake similar crossings. Prosecutor Peter Ratliff emphasized that Khan’s actions were meant to inspire others, further adding to the gravity of his offense.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Judge Mrs. Justice Steyn described the video as more than just abuse, labeling it a direct “threat to kill with a firearm.” She noted that Farage had described the threat as chilling, reinforcing the seriousness of the incident. Khan was sentenced to five years in prison for the offense.
Khan’s Arrival in the UK
Khan had been one of 65 migrants who crossed the English Channel in a small boat, a method of entry that has sparked widespread debate in the UK. The prosecution argued that Khan was well aware of the illegal nature of his entry and had deliberately documented and shared his journey to the UK, further fueling tensions around illegal crossings.
Closing Line
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