Westminster attack: what we know today

After Wednesday’s terrorist attack in Westminster, there has been so much information and speculation passed around in the media and all over the internet.

We’d first like to say that our sincere condolences are with the families of those who lost their lives at the hands of a cowardly terrorist. Those who remain in hospital and were injured are also in our thoughts as their recovery continues.

Victims

More than anything else, we should remember the names of those who have lost their lives in the attack. They are the names we should speak rather than the names of any cowards.

Aysha Frade was walking across Westminster Bridge when the attacker sped along, mowing down any pedestrian in his way. She was in her 40s, worked at a nearby sixth form college and was on her way to pick up her two daughters from school.

Kurt Cochran was visiting London from Utah in the U.S. with his wife as they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Melissa, his wife, was seriously hurt in the attack the day before they were due to return home.

Last night, it was announced by Scotland Yard’s Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Rowley that another person had died in the attack. 75-year-old Leslie Rhodes from south London had his life support withdrawn from him for the injuries he received during the attack.

PC Keith Palmer was also killed in the attack after being stabbed by the terrorist outside of Parliament. Mr Palmer was photographed with a tourist just 45 minutes before his murder; a testament to his friendliness and kindness to all visitors. He leaves behind a wife and a five-year-old daughter who have said: “He will be deeply missed. We love him so much.”

28 other people were also injured in the attack, some escaping luckily with a broken arm and fingers while others are in a critical and serious condition.

The attack

We now know what happened as police survey CCTV in the area, look at the public’s photos and videos and review eyewitness statements.

The terrorist drove onto Westminster Bridge on the opposite side of Parliament and Big Ben. Once on the bridge, video footage shows him speeding along the pavement, slamming into pedestrians who were trapped. One woman either fell or jumped over the side of the bridge, landing in the water. She was later pulled out by a fire brigade boat on the Thames and remains in hospital with serious injuries.

Once off the bridge, the terrorist sped into a fence right next to Parliament and crashed. Footage shows smoke coming from the bonnet of the car as it stood abandoned. The attacker then got out of the car and it is thought he wrestled with police at the gate. It is here that he stabbed PC Palmer before continuing into the gardens. He didn’t get far after that as two other police officers shot at him three times.

News of course broke as MPs were sitting in the House of Commons and the Lords were due to do so later that day. The Prime Minister had finished PMQs and is understood to have been on her way to vote on a bill. She was ushered out by protection officers into a car and driven to Downing Street.

Parliament was put on lock down and MPs in Portcullis House were taken through the underground tunnel to the Palace of Westminster. There, they were kept together (around 400 people) for hours while police conducted a thorough search of every room to ensure there was no danger inside.

Response

The Prime Minister spoke on Wednesday night after chairing a COBRA meeting with security and intelligence officials.

She called for unity and normality – the best response to terrorism.

Yesterday evening their was a candle-lit vigil organised by London Mayor Sadiq Khan in memory of those who lost their lives and are fighting for them. The Eiffel Tower turned off its lights in solidarity while minutes of silence were held in the UK and around Europe. Parliament took part in this as they returned to sitting as normal.

Extra armed and unarmed police have been added in London and around the country as a measure of reassurance and public safety.

Next

The attacker has been named. Born in Kent, his last address is thought to be in Birmingham. Police have conducted raids around the country at 16 properties and have arrested several people while five searches are ongoing. He was a 52-year-old father and husband who stayed at a hotel in Brighton the night before his manic attack.

Scotland Yard confirmed that the attacker was previously investigated by MI5 for possible extremism links but no charges of this nature are attributed to his name. They also said that they are confident his attack was inspired by “international terrorism”. Daesh (ISIS) has since claimed responsibility for the terror attack.

Now it is time for unity and bravery as we step forward as a country together, undefeated by desperate terrorists while remembering our brave emergency services and police force in every move we make.