The News Agents How to catch a terrorist
71 snips
Jun 27, 2025 
Neil Basu, former head of Counter Terrorism Policing, and Andy Hughes, an investigative journalist with two decades of crime reporting, delve into the challenges of catching terrorists post-2017 attacks in the UK. They discuss the psychological toll on law enforcement and the need for agency collaboration. The conversation also touches on how technological advancements pose new threats, including drones and cyber capabilities. Laughs are shared as they explore the public's fascination with crime and the complexities of modern terrorism.
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Westminster Bridge Attack Experience
- Neil Basu described the Westminster Bridge attack where a terrorist breached Parliament's security and killed PC Keith Palmer.
- He recalled hearing live audio of the attack and the shooting of the terrorist in real time.
Chaos in Reporting Terrorism
- Andy Hughes described the chaotic reporting of the Westminster attack, including misidentification of the attacker.
- His team confirmed the real attacker was Khalid Massoud, who drove a car into pedestrians and stabbed PC Palmer.
No Single Path to Terrorism
- There is no single pathway to terrorism; each case differs.
- Grievances like marginalization and foreign policy often fuel radicalization used by extremist recruiters.