Resident Evil Cosplayer Arrested in the UK for Carrying a Replica Firearm

A 16-year-old cosplayer dressed as Resident Evil’s HUNK has been arrested in the UK after carrying what police described as an imitation firearm. The incident highlights an ongoing issue where passionate fans bringing their costumes into public spaces clash with strict laws regarding replica weapons. Similar cases have occurred in the past, including fans dressed as Star Wars Stormtroopers or Fallout characters, with the display of fake weapons often being the main trigger for police intervention.

Who Is HUNK in Resident Evil?

HUNK first appeared in Resident Evil 2 (1998) and has since featured in nine games across the franchise. Known as the enigmatic member of Umbrella’s Alpha Team, he was tasked with recovering the G-Virus from Dr. William Birkin. His identity remains a mystery—his face is concealed behind a gas mask with red lenses and a military helmet, and even his real name is unknown. This aura of secrecy has made him a cult favorite, on par with characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Albert Wesker.

The Arrest Outside Stamford Bridge

On August 30, 2025, Metropolitan Police reported the arrest near Stamford Bridge stadium in London, citing “suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm.” The teen was believed to be attending the nearby London Anime & Gaming Convention and was dressed as HUNK, reportedly carrying a replica MP5 submachine gun—the weapon most associated with the character.

Initial reports from some media outlets inaccurately framed the incident as an attempted shooting, which police later denied. As of 2:30 PM GMT, the teenager remained in custody, though it has not been confirmed whether he will face charges.

The arrest coincided with a soccer match between Chelsea and Fulham, meaning the area was crowded with bystanders who may have mistaken the replica for a real firearm. UK law typically requires an orange safety tip on imitation guns to distinguish them from real weapons, though it remains unclear if the cosplayer’s prop had one.

Fake Image Circulating Online

Following the incident, an image began spreading online and was falsely linked to the arrested cosplayer. However, the photo was originally uploaded to Reddit in 2022 by user CaptorRaptorr and has no connection to the case.

UK Law on Replica Firearms

Under UK law, possession of imitation firearms in public is strictly prohibited. Exceptions exist for film, theater, and historical reenactments, but only with proper licensing. Additionally, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase a replica firearm, making the teenager’s case more complicated.

Police emphasized that all reports of firearms—real or fake—are treated as genuine threats until proven otherwise. This explains why officers responded with immediate action, even though it was later confirmed the weapon was not real.

Final Thoughts

While cosplay is a beloved form of fan expression, this case underscores the risks of carrying realistic props in public spaces, especially in countries with strict firearm laws. For cosplayers, it serves as a reminder to exercise caution, use visible prop indicators, and ensure their passion doesn’t inadvertently cause panic or legal trouble.