White House condemns ISIS beheading of British citizen Alan Henning

The White House has condemned the beheading of British hostage Alan Henning, following the release of a video appearing to show his killing by ISIS. 

"The United States strongly condemns the brutal murder of United Kingdom citizen Alan Henning by the terrorist group ISIL," said a White House statement.

The video, released on Friday, shows Henning kneeling in an orange jumpsuit. He says: "Because of our parliament's decision to attack the Islamic State, I, as a member of the British public, will now pay the price for that decision."

Henning, a taxi driver from Manchester, was in Syria as part of an aid convoy taking supplies to a hospital. He was abducted in December last year.

Another hostage is later identified as American Peter Edward Kassig.

Henning's beheading follows those of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and British aid worker David Haines.

Shuja Shafi, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said it was "a despicable and offensive act."

"It is quite clear that the murderers of Alan Henning have no regard for Islam, or for the Muslims around the world who pleaded for his life," Shafi said.

related articles
Reports of James Foley execution prompts outpouring of prayer
Reports of James Foley execution prompts outpouring of prayer

Reports of James Foley execution prompts outpouring of prayer

Parents of murdered journalist James Foley sustained by their faith: \'He\'s in God\'s hands\'
Parents of murdered journalist James Foley sustained by their faith: 'He's in God's hands'

Parents of murdered journalist James Foley sustained by their faith: 'He's in God's hands'

British jihadis are threat to Christian heritage of tolerance and should be banished - former Archbishop of Canterbury
British jihadis are threat to Christian heritage of tolerance and should be banished - former Archbishop of Canterbury

British jihadis are threat to Christian heritage of tolerance and should be banished - former Archbishop of Canterbury

New ISIS video appears to show beheading of Steven Sotloff
New ISIS video appears to show beheading of Steven Sotloff

New ISIS video appears to show beheading of Steven Sotloff

US journalist Steven Sotloff beheaded as British hostage\'s life threatened
US journalist Steven Sotloff beheaded as British hostage's life threatened

US journalist Steven Sotloff beheaded as British hostage's life threatened

Al-Qaeda asks IS to release British hostage Alan Henning
Al-Qaeda asks IS to release British hostage Alan Henning

Al-Qaeda asks IS to release British hostage Alan Henning

Does ISIS\' latest hostage video mark a change of tactics?
Does ISIS' latest hostage video mark a change of tactics?

Does ISIS' latest hostage video mark a change of tactics?

ISIS release second video of hostage John Cantlie
ISIS release second video of hostage John Cantlie

ISIS release second video of hostage John Cantlie

Krish Kandiah: Could I have been radicalised without Jesus?
Krish Kandiah: Could I have been radicalised without Jesus?

Krish Kandiah: Could I have been radicalised without Jesus?

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.