Terror group the Islamic State has claimed the London attack, through its Aamaq News Agency, revealing the lone attacker who caused havoc in London yesterday, was soldier of the outfit who "carried out the operation in response to calls for targeting citizens of the coalition" of countries fighting them in Syria and Iraq. In the aftermath of the terror attack that provoked bloodshed in central London, the police have arrested eight people. Metropolitan Police's top anti-terror officer confirmed that the police had searched six addresses and made seven arrests.
A black-clad terrorist armed with two knives, mounted the pavement on Westminster Bridge, yesterday, and mowed his car through several people, including children. He was later shot dead by armed officers in the courtyard outside the Houses of Parliament. Met Police's deputy commissioner Rowley said, "Hundreds of detectives have been working through the night and during that time, officers have searched six addresses and made seven arrests. Inquiries in Birmingham, London, and other parts of the country are continuing." He pinned the death toll at four, including PC Keith Palmer, member of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Squad who was stabbed to death as he tried to stop the attacker inside the grounds of the HoP.
A minute of silence was observed in the Parliament today, Prime Minister Theresa May seemed resolute as she later addressed the Commons. "We are not afraid and our resolve will never waiver in the face of terrorism." She said the attacker was a British citizen who was known to police and security services. "Yesterday, an act of terrorism tried to silence our democracy, but today we meet as normal, as generations have done before us and as future generations will continue to do, to deliver a simple message- We are not afraid and our resolve will never waver in the face of terrorism."
She praised the bravery of police officers as normalcy was announced back to the House of Commons and Lords. "Any attempt to defeat those values through violence and terror is doomed to failure. Parliament will meet as normal. We will come together as normal. And Londoners, and others from around the world who have to come here to visit this great city, will get up and go about their day as normal. They will board their trains, they will leave their hotels, they will walk these streets, they will live their lives. And we will all move forward together, never giving in to terror and never allowing the voices of hate and evil to drive us apart."
Defence Minister Sir Michael Fallon informed the police were investigating whether the attack acted alone. "It was no accident that this attack was on Westminster, because it is at Westminster that we debate differences, very sharp differences, very freely and respectfully between us, and this kind of Islamic terrorism doesn't respect those differences, so it is no accident that there was an attack here."
Mayor arranges for candlelit vigil
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has invited all Londoners and visitors for a candlelit vigil in Trafalgar Square from 6 pm today, to show solidarity to the victims of the incident. He has urged everyone to come together to remember those who have lost their lives.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr, son of the US President, slammed Khan, just four hours after the attack. Citing an interview given by the Mayor six months back, he tweeted, "You have to be kidding me?!: Terror attacks are part of living in big city, says London Mayor Sadiq Khan." The comment was given by Khan last year as he urged Londoners to be prepared for a terror attack on the city.
Don Jr had to however, face an angry Twitteratti, as they attacked him for quoting an "out of context" old article and attempting to pick a fight with Khan at a time when people were dying.
Hindu Council UK (HCUK) forwards condolence
"The Co-Chairs, Trustees, Directors, and Executive Representatives of the Hindu Council UK are shocked and saddened by the terror attack in London, which has claimed the lives of good people who will not be going back to their loved ones tonight and left several with catastrophic injuries," said a statement issued by the HCUK.
They said they condemn the attack that "targeted the very heart of our democracy in Westminster. The prayers of the Hindu community are with those who have died or been injured, their families and friends, our brave Police, Security and Emergency Services who put their lives on the line to protect us and the NHS staff who are heroically working to save those who have been attacked."
Mohammed Shafiq, Chief Executive of the Ramadhan Foundation issued, "The Ramadhan Foundation offers its deepest prayers and absolute solidarity for the victims and their families in the Westminster attack in London. This terrorist atrocity was an attack on our Parliament, and therefore is an attack on everyone in our nation. He added, "The British Muslim community stand united with our fellow citizens today, we stand ready to support the police and authorities to tackle these barbaric crimes."
Rt Hon Priti Pate MP expressed horror and shock at the attack. "My thoughts and prayers are with the families and relatives of those who died and with the injured victims. The events that unfolded are being thoroughly investigated and we all stand together to show that we will not be defeated by terrorism."
