A recent phone video uncovered a terrifying plan involving Jason Savage, a 35-year-old Muslim convert who plotted a series of attacks in Birmingham.
Savage, who referred to himself as “Lone Wolf,” was recorded discussing his targets and potential escape routes, preparing for a violent act that could have caused immense harm.
The footage, taken just days before his arrest, shows Savage scoping out locations, including a mosque he intended to target, as well as considering how he would evade police.
His chilling words—detailing his plans and methods—highlight the extent of his dangerous intentions.
Savage’s Radicalization and Target Selection
Savage, a Small Heath resident, had embraced an extreme and violent interpretation of Islam, heavily influenced by the Salafi movement, which has been linked to terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS.
His radical beliefs led him to plan attacks on multiple targets, including police buildings, military sites, a mosque, and a bookstore in Birmingham.
The prosecution revealed that Savage had focused his attention on a Salafi cleric associated with a mosque and bookstore in Small Heath, a figure who had publicly criticized extremist views.
For Savage, this cleric’s stance was a direct challenge to his own radical ideology, making the cleric a prime target.
The Pre-Planning Phase: Reconnaissance and Weapons Research
Leading up to his arrest, Savage spent months meticulously planning his attacks.
He carried out reconnaissance at the mosque and other locations, filming videos to map out escape routes and potential points of entry.
These videos, taken three days before his arrest, provide a haunting look into the mind of a man preparing for a violent act.
In addition to physical surveillance, Savage conducted extensive online research into firearms, knives, and bomb-making techniques.
He even watched extremist videos to fuel his increasingly radical views.
This dangerous combination of research and surveillance laid the groundwork for what could have been a deadly attack.
The Breakthrough: Undercover Officer’s Role and Arrest
Unknown to Savage, his communications were being monitored by an undercover officer who had infiltrated his plans.
As Savage continued to share his intentions through messages and voice notes, he unknowingly revealed his plot to authorities.
Just before he could carry out his attack, he was arrested.
The arrest, which occurred on the street during an evening operation, came after authorities had grown increasingly concerned about his behavior and his potential to execute a terror attack.
The Court’s Verdict: A Life Sentence for Jason Savage
In January 2024, a jury at Birmingham Crown Court found Savage guilty of preparing terrorist acts.
After deliberating for nearly six hours, the jury convicted him of plotting attacks that could have led to casualties.
During his trial, it was revealed that Savage had been under investigation for over a year, and he had planned to carry out these acts from March 2022 to March 2024.
The court also heard that Savage had converted to Islam in the 2010s, gradually adopting more extremist views that ultimately led him to plan violent acts.
The sentence was handed down, with Savage receiving a life sentence and a minimum term of 16 years.
This conviction underscores the severity of his actions and the critical importance of early intervention by law enforcement to prevent such attacks.
Averting a Potential Disaster: The Role of Counter-Terrorism Policing
The quick actions of the Counter-Terrorism Policing team were instrumental in preventing a tragedy.
Detective Chief Superintendent Alison Hurst of West Midlands Counter Terrorism Policing emphasized that while many terrorism arrests are planned in advance, Savage’s arrest was particularly urgent due to the imminent threat he posed.
Without the swift response, the public could have been at risk of serious harm or even fatalities.
Conclusion: A Warning Against Extremism and Violence
Jason Savage’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by radicalization and the critical need for vigilance in identifying and addressing extremist behavior before it escalates.
As Bethan David, Head of the Counter Terrorism Division of the Crown Prosecution Service, pointed out, Savage actively plotted violence against those with differing views, showcasing the destructive potential of ideological extremism.
Authorities will continue their efforts to prevent future acts of terrorism and ensure that those who plan violent attacks in the name of extremism are held accountable.