Metropolitan Police Opens Professional Standards Review Into Special Constable David Soffer After Golders Green Arson

Recent reporting confirms the man at the front of the mob was David Soffer, a Met Police Special Constable.

He was off duty at the time and has since deleted or hidden the police title on LinkedIn.

5Pillars

The Metropolitan Police say the case has been referred to the Department of Professional Standards for assessment.

Doha News notes Soffer also posted pro-Israel content on X, adding to the profile scrutiny.

An Anadolu Ajansı report details his insults in Hebrew and Arabic, naming him as a Special Constable.

Al Jazeera described the scene as locals intimidating the journalists.

BBC stressed press freedom and the need for journalists to operate without intimidation.

Al Jazeera

Middle East Eye highlighted the Met’s insistence on safeguarding press freedom, noting the extended period journalists were in a difficult situation.

5Pillars described the footage as an intimidation mob surrounding the crew and noted the officer’s involvement.

The Canary highlighted the involvement of a serving Met constable in the incident.

BBC notes the reporters were covering an arson attack that targeted Hatzola ambulances.

Al Jazeera reports that four ambulances operated by Hatzola were set on fire.

London Evening Standard describes gas canisters exploding and homes evacuated as a result of the arson.

Middle East Eye frames the incident as an arson attack on ambulances owned by a Jewish charity.

Thenational Scot notes that two men were detained on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The Met has referred the incident to the Department of Professional Standards for assessment.

The Met’s statement reiterates that freedom of the press is important and journalists must be able to do their job without intimidation.

BBC

Soffer has removed 'special constable' from his LinkedIn profile amid scrutiny.

Two men arrested in relation to the arson were bailed while the investigation continues.

Analyses from Western alt outlets stress potential internal disciplinary measures for involvement in intimidation.

The Canary argues that the British establishment weaponised the ambulance attack against British Muslims, regardless of who carried out the act.

Thenational Scot frames Soffer’s identification within the context of ongoing scrutiny of police involvement in politically charged reporting.

Doha News

Anadolu Ajansı notes Soffer’s pro-Israel posts on X, illustrating how personal networks feed into the framing of the incident.

Al Jazeera characterizes Western hostility toward its reporting as part of a broader pattern since the Gaza crisis escalated in 2023.

Doha News adds that it could not locate Soffer’s response on social media, underscoring gaps in the public record.