A Metropolitan police officer stands guard at the scene of a “terrorist incident” near the UK Parliament. (Photo: Reuters)
At least 3 people are dead, including a cop and the alleged assailant, and at least 40 people are injured following a terror attack near the UK Parliament. British Prime Minister Theresa May called the terror attack a “sick and depraved” action.
(UPDATE – READ MORE: Terrorist ID’ed as Khalid Masood, death toll and number of wounded revised down.)
(UPDATE – READ MORE: British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed the man behind the terrorist attack at the UK Parliament was previously investigated for Islamic extremism.)
Acting Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner and Head of Counter Terrorism Mark Rowley said authorities believe the attacker was “inspired by international terrorism.” The terror attack took place on the first anniversary of the attacks on Brussels in Belgium.
He said the 48-year-old police officer fatally wounded in his brave defense of the public was Keith Palmer.
“One of those who died was a police officer from our Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command who had 15 years service,” Mr. Rowley said.
Police said a vehicle mowed down pedestrians on London’s Westminster Bridge, leaving more than a dozen with injuries described as catastrophic. Mr. Rowley said the car crashed near the UK Parliament, and one man armed with a knife went on the attack and tried to enter the government building where lawmakers were in session. The knife-wielding terrorist proceeded to stab the police officer and was shot on the grounds outside the UK Parliament.
“U.S. President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom to offer his condolences on today’s terror attack in London and his praise for the effective response of security forces and first responders,” the White House said in a statement. “He pledged the full cooperation and support of the United States Government in responding to the attack and bringing those responsible to justice,” the White House said in a statement.
Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan created a political firestorm when he said prior to the tragedy terrorist attacks are “part and parcel” of living in a big city. He previously tweeted that President “Trump’s ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe.”
Donald J. Trump Jr. fired back on Twitter, posting an article from the Independent with his comments.
“You have to be kidding me?! Terror attacks are part of living in the big city, says London Mayor Sadiq Khan,” Trump Jr. said in his tweet.
