London Bridge Stabbing Attack Treated as Terror Related

A London Bridge terror attack has left multiple victims injured and killed two people, the Metropolitan Police in London, England confirmed on November 29, 2019. Eyewitness reports on Twitter indicated that hero bystanders tackled the man. Photos showed the suspect’s body crumpled on the pavement. One video shows a bystander running away with a knife after police shot the man. It also captures the moment that police shot the suspect.

Police said in a news conference that “a device that was strapped to the body of the suspect was a hoax explosive device.” The suspect was identified as Usman Khan, who has a previous terrorism conviction.

The suspect has now been named as Usman Khan, a 28 year old man who was convicted of a previous terrorism offense and was attending a prisoner rehabilitation event at Fishmongers Hall. The first victim named was Jack Merritt, who was helping run the event.

You can watch the video below but be aware that it’s graphic, albeit from a distance. Two people were killed and three injured with terrorism suspected, according to The BBC. You can read the full police statement here.

Two people died and three were injured. Police killed Khan at the scene.

“Police were called at 1:58pm to a stabbing at premises near to London Bridge,” Met Police wrote in a statement. “Emergency services attended, including officers from the Met and @CityPolice. A man has been detained by police. We believe a number of people have been injured. Further info to follow.”

A second video also emerged. It’s a closer up view of the scene.

Police commander Neil Basu said in a press conference: “A male suspect was shot by specialist armed officers from City of London police and I can confirm that this suspect died at the scene.”

Police said that they are treating the stabbings as a terror attack at this point. “At this stage, the circumstances relating to the incident at #LondonBridge remain unclear. However, as a precaution, we are currently responding to this incident as though it is terror-related,” the police wrote. “One man has been shot by police. We will provide further information when possible. A number of people have been stabbed. We will provide further information when possible.”

One man shared a photo of a hero bystander on Twitter and wrote, “This man was walking behind us on the other side of London Bridge when the attack began. He ran through traffic and jumped the central partition to tackle the attacker with several others. We ran away but looks like he disarmed him. Amazing bravery.”

Here’s what you need to know:

Traffic Was Shut Down in the Area & There Was a Massive Police Response to the Scene

Forensics officers make their way near London Bridge in central London, on November 29, 2019, after reports of shots being fired on London Bridge.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened and angered that our city has again been targeted by terrorism. It is with the heaviest of hearts that I must now inform you that, as well as the suspect who was shot dead by police, two of those injured in this attack in the London Bridge area have tragically lost their lives.”

She added: “My heart goes out to their loved ones and to the three further injured victims who I understand are being treated in hospital, and of course to everybody who has been affected by today’s terrible and mindless events.”

According to Dick, “The attack started at Fishmonger’s Hall in the City of London. My understanding is that police were called at 13:58hrs and City of London police officers had bravely and professionally confronted the suspect by 14:03hrs, just five minutes later.”

She added: “I also want to thank the members of the public who have helped, either by showing extraordinary courage by stepping in or by following the instructions they’ve been given by officers at the scene and in the area. This support from our public assists us more than you could know.”

She added: “In the coming days you will see more police, both armed and unarmed, patrolling our streets to help reassure those who are understandably concerned. Similarly our Counter Terrorism detectives will be working round the clock to identify those who have lost their lives, to support all the victims and their families. We are also working at full-tilt to understand exactly what has happened and whether anyone else was involved. For this reason we expect cordons to remain in place around the London Bridge area for some time.”

Dick said: “The empty ideology of terror offers nothing but hatred and today I urge everyone to reject that. Ours is a great city because we embrace each other’s differences. We must emerge stronger still from this tragedy. In doing that we will ensure that the few who seek to divide us will never, ever succeed.”

The British Transport Police wrote on Twitter, “We continue to assist @metpoliceuk and @CityPolice with the incident at #LondonBridge. London Bridge mainline station is closed. Tubes are not stopping at London Bridge Underground station.”

TFL Traffic News, an official government feed, wrote, “UPDATE: London Bridge remains closed in both directions between Fenchurch Street to the north and Southwark Street to the south. There are long delays in both directions on Tower Bridge Road and on Southwark Bridge Road. Use alternative routes.”

Office workers peered outside windows.

Office workers peer out of the windows of Leadenhall Market near London Bridge in central London, on November 29, 2019.

People shared accounts on social media. “I was on London Bridge guys. I’m fine. But it is NOT something I ever want to experience again. #LondonBridge,” wrote one man.

The mayor of London wrote in a statement that “Metropolitan Police have confirmed that as a precaution the horrendous incident at London Bridge is being treated as though it is terrorism-related.”