Controversy is swirling on X over Englishman Roy Larner, the "Lion of London Bridge," being forced to take anti-hate "deradicalization" classes subsequent to being attacked and severely wounded in the 2017 London Bridge terrorism incident.
Larner's story resurfaced in the wake of increased conversations online about UK rape gangs and immigration-related crime.
Larner fought off the terrorists, sustaining injuries to his head, neck, chest and hands. He was hailed a hero. However, UK police got involved — against Larner — for his alleged involvement with anti-Muslim groups.
Larner, who is said to have committed racist acts before and after the 2017 attack, was also monitored by UK police.
He was placed on the UK's anti-terror watch list "Prevent" program, which led to him being required to attend deradicalization classes due to concerns he might become an "extremist."
"They treat me like a terrorist but I’m not political at all," said Larner in an interview.
Khuram Shazad Butt, a Pakistan-born British citizen, Rachid Redouane, who claimed to be either Moroccan or Libyan and Youssef Zaghba, a Moroccan-Italian man were perpetrators that carried out the van-ramming and stabbing attack, which resulted in the deaths of eight people and injured many others.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility.
Larner said of the terror attack, "They had these long knives and started shouting about Allah. Then it was, 'Islam, Islam, Islam. Like an idiot I shouted back at them. I thought, 'I need to take the piss out of these bastards.'"
Reports suggest Larner has tried to move forward with his life, including writing a book about his experiences, and living with friends while looking for stable housing. There were discussions about making a movie about his life, indicating a continued interest in his story.
