On June 26, 2020, a shocking series of events unfolded at the Park Inn hotel in Glasgow’s city centre, leaving six people injured and an asylum seeker, Badreddin Abdalla Adam Bosh, dead after being shot by police. As the city reeled from the violence, questions swirled about the circumstances that led to the attack, the police response, and the systemic challenges faced by vulnerable asylum seekers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, more than five years later, a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is underway, aiming to publicly examine what happened and whether anything could have been done differently to prevent such a tragedy.
According to BBC reporting, Bosh, a 28-year-old Sudanese national, had made threats of stabbing just 24 hours before the attack. This revelation came to light during a preliminary hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court on September 22, 2025, as Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar questioned Police Scotland Federation’s advocate, Shelagh McCall KC. Referring to transcripts she had reviewed, Sheriff Anwar asked, “There were threats of stabbing 24 hours prior to the incident?” to which McCall replied, “Yes.” The chilling confirmation cast a spotlight on the events leading up to the attack and the systems in place to assess and manage risks among asylum seekers placed in temporary accommodation.
Bosh’s journey to Glasgow was marked by trauma and uncertainty. He had fled Sudan after his uncle was shot dead, initially arriving in Ireland before making his way to the United Kingdom. Like hundreds of other refugees, Bosh was moved from flats into hotels at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic—a decision that, as reported by The Herald and The Scotsman, raised significant concerns about the mental health of already vulnerable individuals. The Park Inn, housing around 100 asylum seekers at the time, became the epicenter of a crisis when Bosh, reportedly struggling to adapt and suffering from illness due to Covid, lashed out violently.
During the attack, three fellow asylum seekers, two hotel workers, and police officer David Whyte—who had responded to the emergency call—were injured. According to the BBC, officers initially attempted to use non-lethal weapons to subdue Bosh, but resorted to deadly force when those measures failed. The Crown Office later concluded in 2023 that the officers’ actions were “absolutely necessary” and proportionate, a finding that has not quelled all doubts. Bosh’s family has questioned the use of lethal force, and the FAI now seeks to lay bare the facts for public scrutiny.
The FAI, as explained by The Herald, is not intended to assign blame or fault but to provide a transparent examination of the circumstances surrounding a death in the public interest. The third preliminary hearing, held in September 2025, revealed that a staggering 700 witness statements have been lodged. Advocate depute Alan Cameron KC told the court that a comprehensive list of witnesses and documents—including a draft joint agreement of evidence—had been submitted. Cameron anticipated that the evidential hearings would last “four to five weeks.”
One focal point of the inquiry is the systems and risk assessments in place at the time of the attack. A report from witness Amanda Trimble is expected to address these issues directly, examining whether existing protocols were sufficient and properly implemented. The need for such scrutiny is underscored by the fact, reported by BBC and The Scotsman, that police officers responding to the incident were unaware that the Park Inn was housing asylum seekers. This lack of awareness raises uncomfortable questions about communication and coordination between agencies responsible for the welfare and safety of both residents and responders.
Mark Stewart KC, representing Bosh’s next of kin, informed the court that he was awaiting an expert report from a firearms specialist, with work set to begin in October and a working deadline of early December. The sheriff principal has requested that this key piece of evidence be completed promptly to keep the inquiry on track. Another preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 2025, when the list of witnesses to be cross-examined will be finalized.
Bosh’s struggles in the lead-up to the attack were well documented. He had reportedly contacted the Home Office and other organizations more than 70 times regarding his health and accommodation, according to BBC and The Herald. These repeated pleas for assistance paint a picture of a man in distress, grappling with illness, isolation, and the challenges of adapting to a new environment under extraordinary circumstances. The move to hotel accommodation, while intended to provide safety during the pandemic, inadvertently placed additional stress on individuals like Bosh, who found life at the Park Inn “difficult,” especially while ill with Covid.
The attack and its aftermath have sparked a broader debate about the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK, particularly during times of crisis. The decision to move refugees from stable flats to hotels was made rapidly in response to the pandemic, but advocates and experts have warned that such measures can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. The FAI’s examination of risk assessments and support systems is seen by many as a critical opportunity to learn lessons and improve future responses.
The inquiry is also notable for its scale and complexity. With 700 witness statements and multiple expert reports, the court faces the daunting task of sifting through a vast body of evidence. The goal, as articulated by all parties involved, is to ensure that every relevant fact is brought to light and that the public can have confidence in the process. The FAI’s findings, while not assigning blame, are expected to inform policy and practice across the police, social services, and immigration authorities.
For the families of those affected, the inquiry represents a chance to seek answers and perhaps some measure of closure. For the wider community, it is a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by those seeking refuge and the importance of vigilance, compassion, and effective support systems. As the evidential hearings approach, all eyes will be on Glasgow Sheriff Court, where the hope is that a thorough and transparent process will yield not only understanding but also meaningful change.
The events at the Park Inn hotel remain a stark illustration of the intersection between vulnerability, crisis response, and the limits of existing systems. As the FAI moves forward, the lessons learned could shape the future of asylum policy and public safety in the UK for years to come.
