Tampa Free Press

69K Followers

Trump slams UK bail decision for 5 arrested near US bomber base

Story by Jack Kaminsky
• 19h • 2 min read
​


President Donald J. Trump (White House)© Tampa Free Press

Five British nationals arrested near the RAF Fairford airbase on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses have been released on bail while remaining under active investigation.
Gloucestershire Constabulary detained the five men—all London residents in their 20s—after suspicious vehicles were reported close to the military installation. RAF Fairford serves as a forward operating hub for the United States Air Force and routinely supports American heavy strategic bombers.

Counterterrorism detectives, supported by Army explosive ordnance disposal teams, searched three vehicles and the surrounding area near the base. Police found no viable explosives, but investigators are actively examining whether the suspects acted as proxies on behalf of a foreign state.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said the suspects face stringent conditions on movement and contact, adding that detectives are keeping an open mind on all possibilities. Under British legal procedure, pre-charge police bail allows investigators to enforce strict terms while digital and forensic examinations continue, operating without the financial bond requirements common in some U.S. jurisdictions.



President Donald J. Trump© Tampa Free Press

The move to grant bail drew immediate criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump during remarks to reporters at the White House.
“I would have said, don’t let them have bail, cashless bail,” Trump said. “Is it cashless bail? I guess that was one of the problems that we had, which started the whole mess of crime, and we’re ending cashless bail. But over there, I’m surprised that they released them. I wouldn’t have.”

Related video: UK authorities criticized for 'cloak of silence' amid release of terror plot suspects (FOX News)

View on Watch

FOX News
UK authorities criticized for 'cloak of silence' amid release of terror plot suspects

Video Duration 4:37
When pressed by reporters on whether Iran was behind the incident, Trump declined to elaborate while suggesting he had direct insight.

“I’d rather not. I mean, I know the answer. I can be very specific, but I’d rather not say it. But I would not have released them,” he said.
Iran’s embassy in London strongly rejected allegations connecting the country to the incident, describing the claims as unfounded and malicious.
British counterterrorism officers continue to analyze seized electronic equipment, vehicles, and witness reports as the five suspects remain on conditional bail.

Trump slams UK bail decision for 5 arrested near US bomber base