A 55-year-old has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon after reports of a man armed with an axe entering Manchester Central Mosque during Ramadan prayers.
Greater Manchester Police said that Darren Connor had also been charged with possession of class B drugs.
He has been remanded into custody following the incident on Tuesday evening.
Connor, a white British man, is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Friday.
A second man, who was arrested in connection with the incident, will face no further action, the force added.
Nobody was injured during the incident and the force earlier said they are not treating the incident as terror-related.
Sir Keir Starmer expressed concern about the incident, saying on Wednesday: “I know this will be worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection.
“My thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services for their quick response.
“We have provided up to £40 million funding for additional security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres, and will continue to act to ensure communities are able to live without fear.”
In a statement, the mosque said a “serious security incident” had occurred during prayers.
It said volunteers spotted a “suspicious bag containing an axe” before they escorted a man to a separate room.
Thew mosque urged all attendees to remain vigilant and advised people to travel in groups, as well as not to leave children unattended.
Its statement continued: “The swift and responsible actions of our volunteers played a crucial role in containing the situation. Without their intervention, the consequences could have been far more serious.”
