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UK: David Amess - Authorities classify deadly knife attack on MPs as an act of terrorism

2021-10-16T05:15:31.790Z


The British authorities classify the fatal knife attack on British MP David Amess as an act of terrorism. Initial investigations have shown "a possible motivation in connection with Islamist extremism".


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Memorial service for David Amess in Leigh-on-Sea

Photo: TOLGA AKMEN / AFP

British Tory MP David Amess has been the victim of an act of terrorism following initial police investigations.

The anti-terrorist unit began investigating immediately after the crime.

The first investigations have shown "a possible motivation in connection with Islamist extremism," the police report said.

As part of the investigation, there are also searches at two locations in London.

The 25-year-old attacker is in custody at a police station in Essex.

According to the investigators, he is considered a lone perpetrator.

No other suspects are being sought.

The 69-year-old Conservative MP David Amess was the victim of a knife attack on Friday in his constituency in the English county of Essex during a public consultation hour.

Amess suffered several stab wounds and died on the spot.

The incident sparked horror and great consternation across party lines.

The flags at Downing Street and Parliament were raised at half-mast.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson initially did not comment on the possible reasons for the crime. "Our thoughts are above all with his family, his wife and his children and for everything else we have to let the police do their investigations," said the prime minister. Hearts are now full of shock and sadness, said Johnson. Opposition leader Keir Starmer from the Labor Party spoke of a "dark and shocking day" and called for unity in view of the "horrific events".

Prince William and Duchess Kate were also affected.

"We are shocked and saddened by the murder of Sir David Amess, who sacrificed 40 years of his life to serve the community," said the two on Friday evening on Twitter.

Their thoughts and prayers go to the family, friends and colleagues of the killed MP, the couple said.

The President of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, was "shocked and deeply taken".

The incident will "send shock waves through the parliamentary community and the whole country," said Hoyle on Twitter.

He also announced that there should be “a debate about the safety of MPs and the measures to be taken” in the coming days.

Interior Minister Priti Patel ordered an immediate review of the security arrangements for MPs.

The conservative minister condemned the attack as a "senseless attack on democracy itself".

Amess leaves behind a wife and five children.

The Catholic was seen as an arch-conservative Brexit supporter who campaigned against the right to abortion and for animal rights.

He was also a staunch opponent of fox hunting.

Amess sat for the Tories in the British Parliament since 1983, first for the constituency of Basildon and later for Southend West.

The case is reminiscent of the murder of Labor MP Jo Cox in 2016. Cox was attacked by a right-wing extremist with a gun and a knife during a public consultation in her constituency.

She died shortly afterwards from her injuries.

Cox's murder happened just weeks before the Brexit referendum.

pad / dpa

Source: spiegel

All news articles on 2021-10-16

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