London Police Officer Fatally Stabbed In Terror Attack Identified As 15-Year Veteran

A police officer who was among those killed in Wednesday’s terror attack outside the British Parliament building in London has been identified as 48-year-old Keith Palmer, who worked for the Metropolitan Diplomatic Protection Group. He was a father and a husband.

The attack left four other people dead, including the attacker, and more than 40 injured. The assailant, who has not been identified, appeared to run over bystanders with a vehicle, then stabbed Palmer before he was shot to death by another officer trying to enter the Parliament building.  

James Cleverly, who serves as the member of Parliament for the county of Braintree, called the slain officer a “lovely man, a friend.”

Palmer, a 15-year police veteran, was not armed when he was fatally stabbed.

In a statement posted to Facebook, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that Palmer was “protecting our city and our democracy from those who want to destroy our way of life.” 

“Today is an incredibly sad and somber day, especially for the Metropolitan police service,” Mark Rowley, Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner, said at a press conference Wednesday night. “It is only right that I finish by mentioning the pride I feel in the swift and brave response from our officers, especially from those who ― without fear for their own safety ― confronted the terrorist.”

An air ambulance landed on the grass outside the Palace of Westminster as medical crews rushed in to treat the injured.

Among those hurt were three French students aged 15 and 16, Le Telegramme reported. The publication said the teens were walking on Westminster Bridge when they were struck by a vehicle. 

Rowley said three officers returning from a commendation ceremony also were struck by the vehicle and were in serious condition. A doctor at St. Thomas Hospital described the victims’ injuries as “catastrophic,” according to the Press Association.

A Reuters photographer captured the chilling scene, which showed injured and bloodied victims lying on the ground. In one photo, a body could be seen stuck under the wheel of a bus. Two of those who were killed were struck on the bridge.

Tobias Ellwood, a member of Parliament and British foreign minister for the Middle East and Africa, rushed to the aid of Palmer after he was stabbed. Ellwood, a former soldier, attempted CPR on the officer and tried to stop the bleeding by applying pressure to his wound. Ellwood stayed with Palmer until medical crews arrived.  

Scotland Yard lowered its flag to half-staff following the attack.

The attack came exactly one year after a terrorist attack in Brussels left more than 30 people dead.