Fusilier Lee Rigby was a British soldier serving with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers when he was murdered in Woolwich, Southeast London. The shocking attack involved two men, Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, who used a vehicle to strike Rigby, subsequently exiting to assault him with knives. This brutal attack occurred in front of horrified onlookers near the Royal Artillery Barracks. The assailants sought to convey their extremist beliefs and made statements about their motives, reflecting their desire to protest against British military actions abroad, particularly in Muslim-majority countries. The graphic nature of the attack was alarming, as it unfolded in broad daylight on a busy street, troubling many in the local community and beyond.

Following the attack, Adebolajo and Adebowale were apprehended by police, leading to a nationwide conversation about security and extremism in the UK. The incident resulted in heightened national awareness regarding issues of radicalization and the potential for homegrown terrorism. Public reactions ranged from shock and outrage to calls for increased security measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The violent nature of the crime catalyzed debates about integration, displacement of communities and the need for resources to address extremism and hate in society.

In the aftermath of the murder, memorials for Rigby sprang up, illustrating widespread public sympathy for the soldier and condemnation for the violence. The event further thrust discussions of community cohesion and the role of the state in combating radical ideologies into the forefront of British political discourse. It prompted investigations and policy adjustments focusing on counter-terrorism efforts and community outreach, aiming to foster understanding and prevent similar occurrences.