Lee Rigby
About the Recipe
In 2013, 25-year-old Fusilier Lee Rigby was murdered in broad daylight on the streets of Woolwich by two radicalised men who claimed political motives. The shocking attack, witnessed by bystanders, sparked national outrage and raised urgent questions about extremism and security services.
Victim: Lee Rigby, aged 25
Perpetrator: Michael Adebolajo (28) & Michael Adebowale (22)
Incident: 22 May 2013: Rigby, a British soldier, was rammed by a car and then attacked with knives and a cleaver near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, South London.
Outcome: Both perpetrators convicted of murder at the Old Bailey; Adebolajo given a whole life order, Adebowale a minimum term of 45 years.
Location/Date: Wellington Street / John Wilson Street junction, Woolwich, London – 22 May 2013.
Background & context
Lee James Rigby, 25, served in the British Army as a fusilier in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. He had previously served overseas (Cyprus, Germany, Afghanistan).
He was off duty and walking along Wellington Street, Woolwich, returning to his barracks area.
Incident & key events
Date/time: 22 May 2013, around 14:20 BST.
Two men, Michael Adebolajo (28) and Michael Adebowale (22), drove a Vauxhall Tigra into Rigby, knocking him down.
They then attacked him with knives and a cleaver, hacking at him and attempting decapitation.
The assailants dragged his body into the road, remained at the scene, made declarations and gave statements to bystanders.
Police response: unarmed officers arrived first, followed by armed officers. The attackers charged at police; shots were fired and both men were wounded and arrested.
Investigations/contradictions
Both attackers had been known to security services previously.
The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) reviewed whether the attack could have been prevented.
At sentencing, the judge rejected ideological justifications and described the act as barbaric.
There was debate over media broadcasting of footage (mobile phone video of attackers) and whether it breached broadcasting standards; Ofcom eventually cleared broadcasters.
Outcome
Both men found guilty of murder on 19 December 2013.
Sentencing: Adebolajo given a whole life order (no chance of parole). Adebowale sentenced to life with a minimum 45 years.
Aftermath
Rigby’s death triggered national debate about radicalisation, counterterrorism, community relations.
The Lee Rigby Foundation was established by his family to support bereaved military families.
The case led to reviews of intelligence sharing, procedures for monitoring extremist individuals, and responses to community tensions.