David Amess, a conservative member of British parliament, was stabbed to death while meeting with constituents on Friday and now authorities have released more information about the assailant while categorizing the slaying as a "terrorist incident."
JUST IN - Suspect in killing of UK Conservative MP Sir David Amess is of "Somali origin and the suspected motivation is Islamist" (The Independent)
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) October 15, 2021
According to reporting from the Associated Press, British officials with the Metropolitan Police "described the attack as terrorism and said the early investigation 'has revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism.'"
Police have now formally declared the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess a terror attack
— Lizzie Dearden (@lizziedearden) October 15, 2021
A statement added: "The early investigation has revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism" https://t.co/aQanny3cjE
The BBC reported that "A 25-year-old British man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, and police said they were not seeking anyone else over the death" while "officers are currently carrying out searches at two addresses in the London area."
Sir David Amess killing was terrorist incident, Met Police say https://t.co/wGJ0qII45C pic.twitter.com/9EeIjc77xP
— Andy Vermaut (@AndyVermaut) October 16, 2021
Authorities believe the man "acted alone but inquiries into the circumstances of the incident are continuing. Government sources have told the BBC the man is a British national who, from initial inquiries, appears to be of Somali heritage," they added.
Tributes to David Amess poured in from figures in Britain and around the world after the news of the deadly attack broke:
Our prayers are with the family and loved ones of Sir David Amess after this unspeakable tragedy.
— Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) October 16, 2021
Shocking to hear of the death of Sir David Amess. My sincere condolences to his friends, family & colleagues.
— Madeleine King MP (@MadeleineMHKing) October 16, 2021
Imagine simply meeting constituents & not going home.
That’s why elected representatives subject to threats & intimidation have to take them seriously.#auspol
Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children.
— Carrie Johnson (@carrielbjohnson) October 15, 2021
Having served in parliament since 1997, Sir David Amess' last tweet was an announcement of the event at which he would be attacked:
My next constituency surgery will be taking place on Friday 15th October at Belfairs Methodist Church, 251 Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4NG.
— Sir David Amess MP (@amessd_southend) October 12, 2021
To book an appointment please email amessd@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 3452 pic.twitter.com/aHhxWPrXXi
The AP report noted that the attack "renewed concern about the risks politicians run as they go about their work representing voters" as "British politicians generally are not given police protection when they meet with their constituents."
This is a developing story and may be updated.