Westminster killer’s widow ‘shocked and saddened’ by attack
THE widow of Westminster terror attacker Khalid Masood has said she is “saddened and shocked” by the atrocity and “condemns” his actions.
Rohey Hydara spoke out after Masood’s mother, Janet Ajao, said she had “shed many tears” for her son’s victims.
In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, Ms Hydara said: “I am saddened and shocked by what Khalid has done. “I totally condemn his actions. “I express my condolences to the families of the victims that have died, and wish a speedy recovery to all the injured.
“I would like to request privacy for our family, especially the children, at this difficult time.”
Masood killed four people in an 82-second rampage in Westminster last Wednesday.
The 52-year-old was shot dead by armed police after fatally knifing PC Keith Palmer (48) in the Palace of Westminster’s cobbled forecourt.
Separate inquests into the deaths of the killer and his victims will begin this week.
Terrorist group IS called Masood “a soldier of the Islamic State” following the attack, but the announcement was greeted with scepticism from commentators. Many noted the terror group has a record of opportunistically claiming attacks.
Scotland Yard has said there is “no evidence” the Muslim convert was linked to Islamic State or al-Qaeda, but he “clearly” had an interest in jihad.
Masood’s mother said she was “deeply shocked, saddened and numbed” by what happened.
She said: “I am so deeply shocked, saddened and numbed by the actions my son has taken that have killed and injured innocent people in Westminster.
“Since discovering that it was my son that was responsible, I have shed many tears for the people caught up in this horrendous incident. I wish to make it absolutely clear, so there can be no doubt, I do not condone his actions nor support the beliefs he held that led to him committing this atrocity.”
Scotland Yard has urged anyone who was in contact with Masood on the day of the attack to come forward.
Police said his communications on March 22 are a main line of inquiry, amid reports his phone connected with encrypted messaging service WhatsApp just before the attack.
The inquests for the victims will open at Westminster’s Coroner Court today and Masood’s inquest will open at the same court tomorrow.
Twelve people are still being treated at London hospitals for injuries sustained in the attack.