You know what’s terrible? Living in a world where violence seems to reign. I know there are countless positive things happening around the globe, but it’s so tough hearing about more terrorist attacks day in and day out. It’s a challenge to make heads or tails of it in your mind and even more difficult to explain to growing children and teens.
Over the weekend, “seven people were killed by militants who drove a van at high speed into pedestrians on London Bridge and then stabbed revelers in the nearby Borough Market area on Saturday.” (via Reuters) There are many unanswered questions that remain, but in the last 48 hours or so, British law enforcement has been able to piece a few things together. Here are some updates from around the web:
According to Telegraph:
A van drove into pedestrians on the bridge and the three men stabbed people in both sites, with witnesses hearing them shout: “This is for Allah”.
The three attackers were shot and killed – dying within eight minutes of the first call, police said. Eight armed officers fired 50 rounds – “an unprecedented amount,” according to Scotland Yard.
They believed all three were wearing suicide vests, which ultimately turned out to be fake.
Just weeks following the news of an explosion at Ariana Grande’s recent concert in Manchester, the U.K. faces the ramifications of yet another violent attack. Our hearts are with the families of all the victims – and our minds are trying to understand the violence.
According to CNN:
Police said 11 people had been detained in a series of raids following the attack, in which seven people were killed and 48 others injured. British Prime Minister Theresa May said police had identified all three attackers and would release their names “when the investigation permits.”
- One alleged attacker had a connection to Ireland, a source briefed by an Irish counter-terrorism official said.
- May faced questions over cutting 20,000 police posts in her time as Home Secretary.
- Britain’s most senior police officer Cressida Dick said police resourcing needed to be revised.
- Leader of the main opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, called on May to resign over cuts.
Life was back to functioning Monday morning in London, with commuters crossing the bridge to head to work, school and the like. In the face of such violent acts, we cannot let the terrorists stop us from living life to the fullest, but the injured and taken innocent lives will always be remembered. Our hearts are with you, London (my second home) and love to everyone who was affected by this weekend’s tragedy.
