Officer who shot dead Westminster terrorist ‘acted professionally’
THE POLICE bodyguard who shot dead Westminster Bridge terrorist Khalid Masood “acted swiftly and professionally to protect the public and fellow officers”, a watchdog has said.
Yesterday the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) published its report on the atrocity last year, noting that a member of Khalid Masood’s family had questioned whether non-lethal force could have been used.
Masood mowed a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four and seriously injuring 29, before storming gates near the Houses of Parliament and murdering unarmed PC Keith Palmer.
The close protection officer who fatally shot him, identified as SA74, gave evidence to the inquest into his death, describing how Masood, clutching two bloodied knives, advanced on him and his colleague.
Feet away and apparently intent on killing more unarmed officers, Masood continued to move forward despite shouted warnings to drop the weapons, and was shot three times.
IOPC regional director Sarah Green said: “Officer SA74 ran towards sounds of a disturbance and then placed himself between Mr Masood, who was carrying two large knives, and the officers he was pursuing.
“It is clear he had no reasonable option but to shoot Mr Masood, and it is also clear he acted swiftly and professionally to protect the public and fellow officers.
“Officer SA74 and his colleagues acted with immense personal bravery”. She described her “deep sorrow” at the five people killed.