A young man from Norway, Johannes Kongsnes Natland, has been taken into custody at a hotel in West Yorkshire and charged with firearms violations related to national security. The arrest occurred on 19 March in Huddersfield by firearm officers, with the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command taking control of the situation shortly after. Although the case has been passed to the Counter Terrorism Command, authorities have clarified that it is not currently being considered a terrorist act.
Natland, 18, is facing charges for possession of a Luger semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, and ammunition. Originally, he was detained by West Yorkshire Police on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, but has not been formally charged with that crime at this time. The teenager had traveled to Manchester Airport from Stavanger, Norway, on 17 March before the incident unfolded.
The Metropolitan Police stated that due to multiple ongoing international investigations linked to the case, detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing are managing the situation. Despite this, the authorities maintain that there is no current indication of terrorist involvement. The investigation is being led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, with collaboration from North East CTP and West Yorkshire Police. Natland made an appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 21 March and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on 11 April.
The specific details of the case remain under examination as law enforcement agencies continue their inquiries. The young Norwegian’s arrest in connection with firearms violations has raised questions and concerns about the nature of the incident, prompting further investigation by authorities. As the legal process unfolds, additional information may come to light regarding the circumstances surrounding Natland’s arrest and the firearms offences he is alleged to have committed
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
