Henry Nowak murder sparks US and UK political reaction

In December, 18‑year‑old Henry Nowak – a student holding Polish and British citizenship – was fatally stabbed by 23‑year‑old Vickrumm Digwa, a Sikh who used a ceremonial knife. Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment, and his mother was convicted of aiding him.

Police handling of the incident drew criticism after a video showed Nowak handcuffed and repeatedly saying "I can't breathe" while receiving medical assistance. An independent police oversight body is reviewing the conduct of officers who were accused of neglecting to provide timely aid.

The case prompted statements from senior politicians. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance posted on X, likening the killing to a sign of civilizational decline and linking it to migration and European elite policies. The U.S. State Department also issued a condolence message. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed condolences to Nowak’s family and the British nation.

Commentators have used the murder to debate anti‑racism activism and perceived biases in law‑enforcement responses, citing the attacker’s claim of racial provocation as a factor that influenced the police’s initial handling of the victim.