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 dynamic during a potentially lethal encounter.
Nathan Newby, a hospital patient, prevented a bombing at St James’s Hospital in Leeds by talking down a would-be attacker. Mohammad Farooq, who intended to kill nurses, carried a homemade pressure cooker bomb into the maternity wing in January 2023. Newby encountered Farooq while getting fresh air and initiated a conversation.
Farooq eventually confessed to having a bomb about an hour into their discussion. Newby calmly asked to see the device and then worked to move Farooq away from the building. The pair spoke for several hours, with Farooq sharing details about his life and even asking for a hug.
Farooq ultimately told Newby to call the police before changing his mind. He was later sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 37 years. Newby will receive the George Medal for his bravery on Wednesday, describing himself as simply being “in the right place at the right time.”