Under steely skies, a silent show of defiance
THEY came in their thousands to pay an emotional tribute to the dead and wounded – and to put on a united show of defiance.
From all backgrounds, they gathered by the banks of the Thames, less than a mile from the scene of Saturday night’s slaughter, for a vigil in honour of the dead and wounded.
Beneath gathering clouds as the sky darkened, commuters on their way home from the City and residents from all over London flocked to pay their respects.
They were joined by members of the emergency services, senior politicians and leaders from a wide range of religions including Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Chief Rabbi ephraim Mirvis.
There were Muslims wearing T- shirts with the words ‘I am Muslim ask me anything’. Others held banners saying ‘Love for all, hatred for none’ and letters spelling out ‘We love London’.
Armed police kept a watchful eye from the periphery. Before a minute’s silence, was held, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan denounced the ‘ sick and evil’ terrorists and vowed: ‘London will never be broken by terrorism.’
Flanked on the podium at Potters Fields Park, between City Hall and Tower Bridge, by Home Secretary Amber Rudd and her shadow counterpart Diane Abbott, Mr Khan said: ‘London stands in defiance against this cowardly attack against our city, our people, our values and our way of life.
‘As the Mayor of London, I want to send a clear message to the sick and evil extremists who commit these hideous crimes: We will defeat you.’ To whoops and thunderous applause, he continued: ‘As a proud and patriotic British Muslim I say this: You do not commit these disgusting attacks in my name. Your perverse ideology has nothing to do with the true values of Islam and you will never succeed in dividing our city.’
With Met Commissioner Cressida Dick and senior officers from the City of London Police, British Transport Police, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade at his side, Mr Khan said: ‘We thank our courageous emergency services and those brave Londoners who risked their lives to care for others – you are the best of us.’ Many in the crowd – including some in uniform – shed tears and hugged during the event. And many queued to leave flowers at City Hall, creating a sea of tributes.