https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSbWx6m5b2I
Caravan Daily Correspondent
LONDON — Thousands have gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square to remember the victims of yesterday’s terrorist attack at Westminster.
“We come together as Londoners tonight to remember those who lost their lives and all those affected by the horrific attack yesterday. But also to send a clear message: Londoners will never be cowed by terrorism.” Sadiq Khan told a somber gathering.
“Those evil and twisted individuals who tried to destroy our shared way of life will never succeed and we condemn them. Our hearts are with the family and friends of PC Palmer, of Aysha Frade, of Kurt Cochran and all those injured in the attack yesterday.” He added.
Brendan Cox, the husband of Labour MP Jo Cox killed on 16 June last year by a white supremacist for supporting refugees in has also urged Britain not to let itself be divided by the Westminster attack.
Mr Cox said it was important to remember the victims, and not the assailant, of yesterday’s terror attack outside Parliament and on Westminster Bridge that left four dead.
“What the terrorist would like to happen is for us to fall apart and start blaming groups of people, to say that in some way this is Muslim or Islam as a whole,” he told Radio 4’s Today programme.
“We have to remember that the person who did this is no more representative of British Muslims than the person who killed Jo is representative of people that are from Yorkshire.”
“I’m going to do whatever I can to remember the names of the victims like PC Palmer and not the name of the person who did this, partly driven by the desire for notoriety,” he said.
I don’t care about the name of the attacker. This is the name I will remember. https://t.co/2azZHWkJAk
— Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) March 22, 2017
Police has named the attacker as Khalid Masood aged 52. No further details have been given about him.
The attack has been widely condemned by British Muslims. Within minutes of the occurrence of the attack yesterday Britain’s umbrella body of Muslim organisations, Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) condemned the barbarity saying, “We are shocked and saddened by the incident at Westminster. We condemn this attack and while it is still too early to speculate on the motives, our thoughts and prayers are for the victims and those affected. We pay tribute too to the police and emergency services who handled this with bravery. The Palace of Westminster is the centre of our democracy and we must all ensure that it continues to serve our country and its people with safety and security.”
In a second statement issued today it complimented the police and the British Prime Minister and the London Mayor for their stand and measured reaction to this tragedy. It press release also announced that its, “Secretary General, Harun Khan will join thousands of Londoners, including Muslims, as they converge on Trafalgar Square this evening in solidarity with the victims.”
Harun Khan said: “This attack was cowardly and depraved. There is no justification for this act whatsoever. The best response to this outrage is to make sure we come together in solidarity and not allow the terrorists to divide us.
“I hope my Muslim brothers and sisters will reach out to fellow Londoners and Britons in solidarity to demonstrate that such hatred will not defeat our way of life.” He added.
Some Mulsims, however, have become wary since the attack occurred. A message circulating on social media reads, “The acting police chief commissioner has said that Muslims will be worried about far right terrorist groups. And that hate crimes will go up. Please take notice of this dangerous and scary events that are taking place right now. Take care of yourselves and stay in open public busy spaces. Travel in groups if possible. Only go out if nessary and in daylight hours. This is a reminder to all Muslims all over the U. K. especially to Muslim women and youth. It has already been reported that attacks have taken place. Please forward to all Muslims and make dua for the ummah.”