The name of the man suspected of the murder of British parliamentarian David Amess (69) is Ali Harbi Ali, government sources confirm according to the BBC. The 25-year-old Briton of Somali descent has been taken to a London police station. He is being held there for the time being on the basis of anti-terrorism legislation.
The man was previously unknown to the security services, according to Sky News. He was, however, briefly involved in a government anti-radicalisation project. This is a training for which people are nominated by, for example, teachers or social workers; participation is on a voluntary basis.
Murdered during office hours
The suspect was arrested Friday at the site of the attack, a church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex where Amess held consultations for residents of his constituency. Police previously said they consider the attack on Amess an act of terror and see “a link” to Islamic extremism.
Today the police have searched three addresses in the London area. It is not known whether this has yielded any results. It is clear that the suspect acted alone. Police are not looking for accomplices.
A vigil was held for David Amess tonight in Leigh-on-Sea. Earlier today, British Prime Minister Johnson and Labor leader Starmer a visit at the spot where Amess was attacked.
–
