Patient Prevents Hospital Bombing With Kindness
Why this is here: Newby asked to see the bomb to “confirm it,” and Farooq “happily opened it up and showed me it,” demonstrating an unusual level of interaction with the would-be attacker.
Nathan Newby, a hospital patient, prevented a bombing at St James’s Hospital in Leeds by engaging in conversation with would-be attacker Mohammad Farooq. Farooq, who intended to kill nurses, carried a homemade pressure cooker bomb into the maternity wing in January 2023. He was later sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 37 years.
Newby encountered Farooq while getting fresh air and initiated a conversation to see if he was alright. Farooq eventually revealed he had a bomb and a plan for revenge. Newby calmly spoke with Farooq for several hours, learning about his family and offering comfort, including a hug.
Farooq ultimately asked Newby to call the police before changing his mind. Newby will receive the George Medal, the second-highest civilian gallantry award, for his actions. He described himself as being “in the right place at the right time” and believes Farooq was “going through bad things.”