London natives awoke with a heavy heart on March 22 as an attacker left several dead and many more wounded outside the British Parliament.
The assailant, whom police are investigating as a terrorist, drove a car over Westminster Bridge and into large crowds of people. Following the collision, he ran through the crowds, stabbing a police officer. The incident left four people dead, including the police officer, as well as a 43-year-old mother, an elderly man, and the assailant. Additionally, the incident injured at least 40 more, seven of which officials know are in critical condition.
After a series of overnight raids, police arrested eight people who they believe were connected to the assailant. Officials say that the British-born assailant acted alone, no terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack thus far.
Officials placed the United Kingdom Parliament on lockdown after the incident, as the assault occurred while Parliament was in session. Police kept politicians in their chambers, mostly in the House of Commons, as officers took control of the situation outdoors.
Mark Rowley, Britain’s senior counter-terror policeman, said that, despite the misfortune of the situation, officials were prepared.
“This is a day we had planned for,” he said. “That we all hoped would never happen, but sadly, it is now a reality.”
The Westminster area remains on lockdown, as police secure roads, Parliament buildings and the underground station. Additionally, officials are securing parts of London, including the London Eye ferris wheel.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said more armed officers will patrol the capital and send his condolences to the victims and their families.
“My heart goes out to those have lost loved ones and to everyone who has been affected,” he said. “We stand together in the face of those who would seek to harm us and destroy our way of life. Londoners will never be cowed by terrorism.”
An international conversation about the Parliament attack
This attack marks the deadliest incident in Britain since the 2005 suicide bombing that left 52 dead and more than 700 injured. While the UK’s Prime Minister Theresa May met with the UK’s emergency cabinet committee, politicians worldwide voiced their concern.
U.S. President Donald Trump called May to discuss the attack. Sean Spicer, Trump’s spokesman, did not release the details.Additionally, Mark Toner, spokesman for the U.S. State Department, said officials everywhere are closely monitoring the incident.
“Our hearts go out to those affected,” he said. “We stand ready to assist in any way the UK authorities would find helpful.”
