A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison after attempting to kill Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle with a crossbow. Jaswant Singh Chail, aged 21, was arrested by officers within the castle’s grounds on Christmas Day last year.
Chail was apprehended while carrying a loaded crossbow and wearing black clothing and a metal mask. He confessed to the officers that he intended to kill the Queen, who was in a private residence on the castle grounds at the time of the incident. Two officers on duty spotted Chail approaching them at around 8:10 am.
One of the officers drew their taser and ordered Chail to put down the crossbow, which he complied with. He was subsequently arrested. Prior to his arrest, Chail had sent a video to a group of contacts expressing his desire to harm the Queen. He was later detained under the Mental Health Act.
The investigation into the incident was led by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command. Through the examination of CCTV footage, addresses, and online activity, it was revealed that Chail had traveled to Windsor on December 23, 2021. Evidence collected by the authorities indicated that he harbored resentment towards the British Empire for its treatment of Indian people in the past. His plan to kill the Queen was motivated by his desire to target a symbol of the empire, namely the monarchy.
Chail had previously applied, but had been unsuccessful, in his attempt to join the Armed Forces as a potential means of gaining access to the Royal Family in the future. He appeared at the Old Bailey in London, where he pleaded guilty to offenses under the Treason Act of 1842, threats to kill, and possession of an offensive weapon. On October 5, he was sentenced to a nine-year hybrid order, which means that he will serve part of his sentence in a mental health facility and the remainder in prison. Following his release, he will be on license for an additional five years.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, commended the officers for their professionalism, skill, and bravery in confronting an armed man. He acknowledged that their actions prevented any harm from coming to anyone involved. The investigation conducted by detectives gathered substantial evidence that led to Chail’s conviction for these grave offenses.
Officers from the Royalty and Parliamentary Protection Command carry out their duties diligently and professionally, ensuring the safety of individuals and locations they are responsible for. This incident underscores the ongoing risks and potential threats they face on a daily basis.
Sign up for MyLondon’s The 12 to receive the 12 biggest stories from across the city.
