D.he British politicians and the general public reacted with horror to the murder of longtime MP David Amess. The 69-year-old politician was seriously injured by a young man with several knife stabs during a citizens’ consultation in his constituency on Friday afternoon and died a little later on the scene. Doctors had tried in vain to save his life. The act took place in a Methodist church in the coastal town of Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, southeast England.
The killed politician leaves behind his wife and five children. Essex police have arrested a 25 year old man as a suspect. She has not yet given any further information. She called witnesses to come forward and will evaluate video recordings. The Times reported that police are investigating possible links with Islamists.
Sir David Amess had been a member of the British House of Commons for nearly thirty years. The Conservative first represented the Basildon constituency from 1983 to 1997, then from 1997 until his death the constituency of Southend West in Sussex. He was considered a staunch Brexit supporter and was known as a great dog lover and an advocate for animal rights.
Politicians from all parties were concerned on Friday evening and paid him respect. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “shocked and sad” about the crime. Health Minister Sajid Javid called Amess “a great man, a great friend and a great MP who was killed while playing his democratic role.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said the inhumane act of violence took “a father, husband and valued colleague.” “All of my thoughts and prayers are with Sir David’s family.” Labor leader Keir Starmer wrote on Twitter that the attack on Amess was “appalling and deeply shocking.”
House of Commons spokesman Lindsay Hoyle said, “This incident will send shock waves through the parliamentary community and across the country.”
Local Essex councilors paid tribute to the deceased. Amess was a always helpful politician and gentleman who stood up for people in need and also for refugees.
The fatal attack on the MP brings bad memories to the UK of the 2016 right-wing killing of Labor MP Joe Cox. She was attacked and shot shortly before a public consultation hour. Her husband Brendan Cox wrote on Friday that today’s tragic news “brings everything back”. Cox tweeted, “My thoughts and love for David’s family. You alone count now. ”In May 2010, Labor MP Stephen Timms survived an Islamist assassination attempt with a knife.
The act on Friday is likely to fuel the debate about the safety of politicians again.
The attacker in Leigh-on-Sea is said to have run into the church shortly before 12 noon and stabbed Amess with a knife. The police have secured the alleged murder weapon.
Seven months ago, David Amess told Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the knife murder of an 18-year-old resident Luke Bellfield in his constituency in a parliamentary hour. “This has been appalling for his family and friends he is leaving behind.” He asked what was being done to combat knife crime. Prime Minister Johnson responded with condolences. There is nothing to alleviate the pain of the loss. The government is in the process of recruiting more police to fight the crime. You have already filled 6600 of the 20,000 planned new police officer positions.
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