Report reaching us has it that it took quite a while for the
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to make a public comment regarding Wednesday’s
terror attack, after the general public and concerned citizens slammed him for
his “deafening silence”.
The Mayor was seen in video declaring that "Londoners
will never be cowed by terrorism."
The attack has so far brought about the untimely death of 4
persons, among whom was a policeman with so many persons seriously wounded at
Westminster Bridge. Though one of the terrorist was also shot dead by armed
officers.
He said: “Today London suffered a horrific attack near
Parliament Square which we are treating as a terror attack.
“A number of people have lost their lives and at least
twenty people have been injured.
“My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and to
everyone who has been affected.
“Tragically, a Metropolitan Police officer who was doing his
duty protecting our city is amongst those who have been killed and my thoughts
are with his family this evening.
“I want to express my gratitude, on behalf of all Londoners,
to the police and emergency services who have shown tremendous bravery in
exceptionally difficult circumstances.
“I have spoken to the Acting Commissioner Metropolitan
Police Commissioner Craig Mackay and national lead for Counter-Terrorism
Policing and Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Rowley and remain in close contact
with them.
“Londoners should be aware that there will be additional
armed and unarmed police officers on our streets from tonight in order to keep
Londoners, and all those visiting out city safe.
“I want to reassure all Londoners, and all our visitors, not
to be alarmed. Our city remains one of the safest in the world.
“London is the greatest city in the world and we stand
together in the face of those who seek to harm us and destroy our way of life.
“We always have and we always will. Londoners will never be
cowed by terrorism.”
Prior to that, he was criticised for maintaining “deafening
silence” after a short statement was made before Scotland Yard confirmed the
barbaric attack.
Scotland Yard confirmed the deaths shortly before 6pm, but
Mr Khan’s office remained silent until 7.30pm pointing to their earlier
statement made hours earlier.
At 4.26pm Sadiq Khan issued a statement saying: "There
has been a serious incident near to Parliament Square this afternoon which is
being treated as a terrorist attack until the police know otherwise.
“I have spoken to the Acting Commissioner. The Metropolitan
Police Service is dealing with the incident and an urgent investigation is
underway. My thoughts are with those affected and their families.
“I would like to express my thanks to the police and
emergency services who work so hard to keep us safe and show tremendous bravery
in exceptionally difficult circumstances."
But shocked Londoners used Twitter to ask why their Mayor
had not responded to the attack earlier.
@cat_leslee said: “The silence of @SadiqKhan is deafening.
No comment Mr Mayor!”
Katie Hopkins said: “Sadiq Kahn't. If you are penning some
naff missive about a proud city, standing together, united by shared values,
think again son.”
No comments:
Write comments