By: Kaylie Mc Noor

A controversial Irish rap trio known for incendiary anti-Israel rhetoric and open praise for terrorist organizations will soon bring their act to New York City – even as one of its members faces terrorism charges in Britain.

According to The New York Post, Kneecap, a Belfast-based group infamous for weaving political extremism into its performances, has scheduled two sold-out shows at The Rooftop at Pier 17 for October 1 and 10. The announcement has stirred concern in both U.S. and Israeli communities, particularly given the group’s recent appearances in which they openly supported Hamas and Hezbollah.

The controversy around Kneecap intensified last month when group member Mo Chara – whose real name is Liam O’Hanna – was formally charged under Britain’s Terrorism Act. As reported by The New York Post, prosecutors allege O’Hanna brandished an Hezbollah flag at a London concert while shouting, “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” The act, prosecutors argued, was not merely political expression but a clear violation of laws banning displays of symbols linked to designated terrorist organizations.

At a June hearing in London, hundreds of protesters rallied outside the courthouse with signs reading “Defend Kneecap” and “Drop the Charges,” underscoring the polarizing status of the group. The band itself rejected the accusations, issuing a statement declaring, “We deny this ‘offense’ and will vehemently defend ourselves,” framing the case as a political effort to silence them.

Kneecap has consistently used its stage presence to advance inflammatory messages. The New York Post reported that just one day after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre in southern Israel – in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage – the group voiced open support for the “Palestinian struggle.” At a show, they performed before a backdrop emblazoned with the words: “F– Israel, Free Palestine.”

During another performance, O’Hanna accused Israel of “genocide” in Gaza, telling a cheering crowd, “They’re bombing them from the skies. If you’re not calling it a genocide, what the f–k are you calling it?” Behind him, a screen displayed the message: “The US government arms and funds Israel despite their war crimes.”

These episodes, detailed in The New York Post report, highlight Kneecap’s use of provocative political theater, blurring the line between performance and active endorsement of terrorist groups.

British prosecutors have acknowledged the group’s right to express solidarity with Palestinians, but they draw a clear line at actions deemed to promote proscribed terrorist organizations. Michael Bisgrove, a Crown prosecutor, argued that waving a Hezbollah flag constitutes a criminal offense under the Terrorism Act, which prohibits public displays that may raise “reasonable suspicion” of support for terrorism.

The New York Post report noted that the band’s defense rests on the argument that they are artists engaged in political commentary, not active supporters of militant violence. Still, the legal case against O’Hanna indicates the tension between free expression and national security laws in the U.K.

Despite the pending terrorism case, Kneecap is set to bring its act to American audiences. The group will play two highly anticipated shows in Manhattan this fall, both already sold out. The New York Post report observed that the choice of venue – The Rooftop at Pier 17, with its sweeping views of the East River – contrasts sharply with the group’s hard-edged image and the political firestorm surrounding their lyrics.

The band’s U.S. tour dates come amid heightened scrutiny of pro-Hamas activism in New York, where demonstrations since October 7 have sometimes spilled into antisemitic incidents. Community leaders have warned that hosting artists known for glorifying terrorist organizations could inflame tensions further.

The group’s notoriety has made it a lightning rod for criticism. Israeli officials and Jewish advocacy groups have denounced Kneecap’s rhetoric as not only offensive but dangerous. By openly praising Hamas and Hezbollah, critics argue, the group is normalizing terrorist organizations responsible for mass killings of civilians.

The New York Post pointed out that the timing of Kneecap’s scheduled shows is particularly sensitive: October 7 will mark the second anniversary of Hamas’s unprecedented assault on Israel. The juxtaposition of memorials for the victims in Israel and abroad with a New York concert by a group that once praised the attackers is likely to heighten outrage.

In interviews and public statements, Kneecap has positioned itself as a victim of political suppression. They describe the charges against O’Hanna as an attempt by governments to muzzle dissenting voices critical of Israel and U.S. foreign policy.

Yet, the group has not moderated its tone. Instead, Kneecap continues to double down on inflammatory messaging, viewing the controversy as an extension of their brand. Their fans, particularly among younger pro-Hamas activists, see the band as cultural standard-bearers unafraid to defy Western political orthodoxies.