The Green Post Ireland
Dublin, 2 November 2026 — A 24-year-old man who stabbed a garda and set fire to Conor McGregor’s Black Forge Inn in two terrorist attacks in Dublin has been jailed for six and a half years.
Abdullah Khan, who described himself as a Salafi jihadist and expressed support for Islamic State (ISIS), pleaded guilty to eight charges, including two terrorism offences.
The Special Criminal Court also imposed four years of post-release supervision, with strict restrictions on his activities and associations.
Abdullah Khan Carried Out Two Attacks in Four Days
Khan set fire to the Black Forge Inn in Drimnagh on July 25, 2025, before attacking two gardaí on Capel Street four days later.
Garda Gary Lynch and Garda Patrick Nevin were conducting a high-visibility patrol at approximately 6pm on July 29 when Khan approached them from behind with a knife.
He stabbed Garda Lynch in his right arm and continued attempting to attack the officers.
The gardaí used batons and pepper spray to defend themselves, while a member of the public intervened to help restrain Khan.
Garda Lynch suffered nerve damage requiring surgery and has continued to experience chronic pain.
Khan Told Gardaí He Supported ISIS
During interviews with the Garda Special Detective Unit, Khan admitted supporting ISIS ideology and said he had been influenced by jihadist militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
He told investigators that he attacked the gardaí because he was angry with the Irish State for permitting what he regarded as insults to the Prophet Muhammad.
Khan also said he targeted McGregor’s pub because he believed the former mixed martial arts fighter had contributed to the growth of far-right politics in Ireland.
He acknowledged that shouting “Allahu Akbar” during the knife attack was connected to his extremist motivations.
Injured Garda Describes Lasting Impact
In a victim impact statement, Garda Lynch described the physical and psychological consequences of the stabbing.
He told the court that he continues to experience pain, nightmares and anxiety in public places.
The attack also disrupted his career shortly after he joined An Garda Síochána.
“I don’t know if my life will return to normal,” he said.
Garda Nevin described experiencing sleep difficulties and heightened anxiety following the incident.
He said he remained uncomfortable walking along Capel Street and frequently looked over his shoulder while on duty.
Court Praises Gardaí for Their Bravery
Presiding judge Ms Justice Karen O’Connor praised both officers for their courage during the attack.
She highlighted Garda Lynch’s determination to continue protecting the public despite being stabbed.
The judge said the offences were extremely serious and stressed the need to protect gardaí from violent attacks.
She also commended members of the public who intervened during the incident.
Khan Refused Psychological and Risk Assessments
The court heard that Khan had refused to cooperate with probation officers and psychologists before sentencing.
The three-judge court had requested assessments to evaluate his risk of further offending and help determine appropriate supervision arrangements.
Ms Justice O’Connor expressed disappointment at his refusal to participate.
Khan’s defence counsel, Michael Bowman, told the court that his client had experienced deteriorating mental health, social isolation and homelessness.
Khan, who has no previous convictions, acknowledged the harm caused by his actions and expressed a wish to apologise.
Four Years of Supervision After Prison
The court imposed a custodial sentence of six and a half years, with a further year suspended, alongside four years of post-release supervision.
Khan must comply with conditions prohibiting involvement in terrorist activity or association with terrorist organisations.
He is also barred from attending marches, rallies and demonstrations.
His conditions restrict possession of knives, petrol, lighter fuel and other accelerants outside his home.
Khan may attend religious worship only at locations approved in advance by the Probation Service.
He agreed to comply with the restrictions.
Garda investigations into statements made by people associated with Khan remain ongoing.
