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David Amess stabbing: Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer visit scene in Leigh-on-Sea


The homicide has shocked the nation and prompted requires a assessment of safety measures for lawmakers finishing up constituency work.

Amess, 69 and a member of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ruling Conservative Social gathering, died after being stabbed a number of instances at round noon Friday at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, England.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of homicide and a knife was recovered, police stated. He’s believed to have acted alone.

“The early investigation has revealed a possible motivation linked to Islamist extremism,” the Metropolitan Police stated in an announcement in a single day. Two addresses within the London space are being searched, the drive stated.

The person arrested is believed to be a British nationwide with Somali heritage, official sources have instructed UK information company PA Media. The UK’s Counter Terrorism Command is main the investigation into the killing, police stated Friday.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson (right), Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer (center) and senior police officer Ben-Julian Harrington carry floral tributes to Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea on Saturday.

A somber-looking Johnson carried a wreath of pale roses Saturday morning to depart in entrance of the church the place Amess was attacked.

He and Starmer have been accompanied by Residence Secretary Priti Patel, whose authorities division is liable for policing and counter-terrorism efforts within the UK. Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian Harrington and different dignitaries additionally carried flowers to the scene.

British lawmakers face risks when working face-to-face with voters

Patel tweeted Friday that questions have been “being rightly requested” concerning the security of lawmakers, including she “will present updates in the end.”

MPs in Britain sometimes meet with residents of their constituencies nose to nose throughout “surgical procedures,” and it’s unusual for them to have a safety element.

This was the second homicide of a sitting British lawmaker in 5 years, after Labour MP Jo Cox was killed in her constituency in 2016 by a man with extreme right-wing views, and has reignited discussions concerning the security of the UK’s elected officers.
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, who tried to save the life of a wounded police officer throughout a terror attack on Westminster in 2017, tweeted Saturday that MPs’ engagement with the general public was a “important a part of our work” however that there was now, understandably, “enormous nervousness” amongst his colleagues.

“Till the Residence Secretary’s assessment of MP safety is full I’d advocate a short lived PAUSE in nose to nose conferences,” he stated.

Emergency services at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church, where David Amess was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

Johnson: ‘We misplaced a high quality public servant’

The nation’s political, spiritual and societal leaders, and its royal household, all condemned the assault and paid tribute to Amess.

Those that knew him described Amess — who was married with 5 kids — as a devoted native consultant, deeply embedded inside his neighborhood and uninterested within the careerism of nationwide politics.

Amess entered Parliament in 1983, initially representing the Basildon constituency, and had served constantly within the Home of Commons since then, making him one of many longest-serving lawmakers within the chamber.

Lawmakers from throughout the political spectrum spoke Friday of their unhappiness, concern, and anger that one other of their colleagues was killed whereas assembly with constituents.

In an announcement Friday from Downing Avenue, Johnson stated the MP “was one of many kindest, nicest, most light individuals in politics.”

“David was a person who believed passionately on this nation and in its future,” Johnson stated. “We misplaced at the moment a high quality public servant.”

Opposition chief Starmer wrote on Twitter: “Horrific and deeply stunning information. Pondering of David, his household and his employees.”

Former Prime Minister David Cameron stated Amess was “a sort and completely first rate man” and “essentially the most dedicated MP you possibly can ever hope to fulfill.”

“Phrases can not adequately categorical the horror of what has occurred at the moment. Proper now, my coronary heart goes out to David’s household,” Cameron stated. Cameron’s successor Theresa Might added the information was “heartbreaking” and “a tragic day for our democracy.”

And former Labour chief Tony Blair stated in an announcement to PA Media: “David and I got here into Parliament collectively in 1983. Although on reverse political sides I all the time discovered him a courteous, first rate and completely likeable colleague who was revered throughout the Home.

“This can be a horrible and unhappy day for our democracy,” Blair stated.

Flags exterior Parliament have been lowered to half employees after Amess’ demise.

Amess was knighted in 2015 for his political service. He supported Britain’s departure from the European Union, and his foremost areas of experience have been animal welfare and pro-life points, in accordance with a biography on his web site.

He was not thought of a controversial politician, and regardless of the size of his tenure, he was not a extensively identified political determine within the UK.

In a guide he wrote final yr about being an MP, Amess stated Cox’s homicide was “completely sudden” and the occasion had modified the way in which MPs work together with members of the general public, significantly in relation to constituency surgical procedures.

“These growing assaults have reasonably spoilt the nice British custom of the individuals overtly assembly their elected politicians,” he wrote. “I personally have over time skilled nuisance from the odd member of most people at my very own property. We frequently test our locks.”

CNN’s Nada Bashir and Nic Robertson reported from Leigh-on-Sea and Laura Smith-Spark wrote from London. CNN’s Sharon Braithwaite and Rob Picheta contributed to this report.



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