Counterterrorism officials are investigating after a suspect allegedly went on a rampage in Scotland, leaving five men injured.
The attacks, which are believed to have been anti-Muslim, began near a mosque in Edinburgh where two men were injured just before 9 p.m. Friday, officials said, according to public safety was our priority," Police Scotland said in a statement.
The man was taken into custody around 9:30 p.m., and he remains there.
"This was a shocking attack, and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected," Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said.
"I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together."
The suspect allegedly told police when he was caught that he was "protecting the country," BBC News reported.
"Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances," Paton said. "We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the attack, saying the community is "rightly nervous and worried."
"This incident comes not long after racist pogroms on the streets of Belfast that targeted minority families and is a direct consequence of political rhetoric that demonises entire communities," the council added. "To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, and please report any Islamophobic hate crimes to the police.