A 24-yr-old man has pleaded guilty to eight serious charges, including two terrorist offences, following a knife attack on two gardaà in Dublin city centre and an arson incident at Conor McGregor’s pub last summer.
Abdullah Khan appeared at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Monday, where he confirmed his identity and entered guilty pleas to each charge as they were read out, reports RTE.
The charges stem from two separate incidents in July 2025:
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– On July 25, 2025, Khan carried out an arson attack on the Black Forge Inn (owned by Conor McGregor) in Drimnagh, Dublin, which caused damage to the premises. He pleaded guilty to the arson count and one related terrorist offence.
– On July 29, 2025, at around 6pm, two gardaà — Garda Gary Lynch and Garda Patrick Nevin — were on high-visibility patrol on Capel Street when Khan approached from behind and attacked them with a knife. The officers subdued him using batons and pepper spray before making the arrest. Khan pleaded guilty to six charges connected to this incident, including producing a knife, assaulting the gardaÃ, engaging in conduct likely to cause serious harm or death, and one terrorist offence.
RTE reports that Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC told the non-jury court that Khan comes from a “pro-social” family with no previous convictions, and noted there is a “complex psychological background” to the case. He requested a psychological report on the defendant.
Presiding judge Ms Justice Karen O’Connor remanded Khan in custody pending sentencing. The case was adjourned to March 23, 2026, to allow for victim impact statements and further reports.
Khan’s address was not published due to a court order.
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