David Amess, a Conservative lawmaker in Britain’s parliament, was murdered on Friday in a stabbing attack.
The 69 year-old was meeting with constituents at a Methodist Church in Essex, his home district, when the assault occurred.
“He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene,” Essex police said.
“A 25-year-old man was quickly arrested after officers arrived at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered.”
Amess, a father of five, was first elected to parliament in 1983. “He was known as strong supporter of Britain’s exit from the European Union and promoted conservative views on marriage and abortion,” reports The Wall Street Journal. He was also a champion of animal rights.
The Washington Post adds:
The attack stirred memories of a 2016 murder of Labour Party lawmaker Jo Cox, 41, who died after being shot and stabbed by Thomas Alexander Mair, a gardener, who was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes. The assailant was a white supremacist and extreme nationalist who supported neo-Nazi ideology.
Jo Cox’s widower, Brendan Cox, tweeted, “Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets.”
CNN reports on the reactions to Amess murder:
Amess’ stabbing was met with shock across Britain’s political spectrum. The leader of the main opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, wrote on Twitter: “Horrific and deeply shocking news. Thinking of David, his family and his staff.”
Carrie Johnson, the Prime Minister’s wife, tweeted: “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.”
Sajid Javid, the UK’s Health Secretary, called Amess “a great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role.”
