Far-right extremist Alina Burns pleads guilty to attempted axe murder in Bristol

Alina Burns, then aged 18, attacked Mohammed Mahmoodi, an Iranian Kurd, outside a barber's shop in Bedminster, Bristol, on 2 August last year. Burns swung an axe at Mr. Mahmoodi's neck, but he turned and ducked at the last minute, escaping with only painful scratches to his neck and cheek.

She tried to strike Mr. Mahmoodi again before he disarmed her. Police officers on patrol nearby detained Burns and found a scalpel and several darts on her.

I wanted to cut his neck.
Alina Burns, Defendant
Said to the arresting officer when asked why she swung the axe at Mr. Mahmoodi.

Burns nodded when asked by the arresting officer if she had swung the axe at the man. Burns was a member of the far-right group Patriotic Alternative. Police found messages in which Burns stated she realized her role in existence was to annihilate everything holy she bore witness to.

An examination of Burns' diary and notebooks revealed notes about Germany, Adolf Hitler, and weaponry used by Germans in the First and Second World Wars. On 30 July, Burns searched online for 'what age you buy an axe UK' and 'how to properly use an axe for self-defence'. On 31 July, Burns looked up YouTube videos about Patrick Crusius, who killed 23 people in a mass shooting at a US Walmart, and searched for graphic 'gore' videos and how to use darts as a weapon.

Kill all Jews and Muslims in Britain, please.
Alina Burns, Defendant
Written in an email to an associate discovered by police.

Burns bought an axe from Screwfix on the day of the attack. According to Sky News - UK, Alina Burns described a desire for a white England, achieved, if necessary, through terror. Burns pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

During a mental health assessment, Burns said she would go on again but to succeed when asked if she had plans to harm others. The specific sentence or legal consequences Burns will face after pleading guilty have not been confirmed, nor has her current mental health status or diagnosis, which could affect legal proceedings.

I realized my role in existence: I am the embodiment of hell, destined to annihilate everything holy I bear witness to.
Alina Burns, Defendant
Found in messages by police.

Land is reclaimed through terror.
Alina Burns, Defendant
Written in an email to herself titled 'The dawn of civil war' the day before the attack.

Better if they flee out of fear rather than displace us in our own home.
Alina Burns, Defendant
Added in the same email to herself the day before the attack.

Fair enough.
Alina Burns, Defendant
Said during a mental health assessment when asked how she felt about being arrested for attempted murder.

Would go on again but to succeed.
Alina Burns, Defendant
Said during a mental health assessment when asked if she had thoughts or plans to harm others.

In the news yet?
Alina Burns, Defendant
Asked during a mental health assessment about the attack.