USA TODAY International Edition
LONDON DEATH TOLL COULD RISE
Police arrest 12 in attacks that killed at least 7 and left 21 in critical condition
Authorities said 21 people remained in critical condition Sunday after a rampage at the iconic London Bridge and a nearby market that left seven dead and dozens more injured.
Three suspected terrorists also were killed in Saturday night’s attack, the third in Britain in less than three months. Police said 12 people were arrested Sunday, although their alleged connection to the attack was not revealed.
“It is time to say enough is enough,” Prime Minister Theresa May said Sunday. She called for tougher measures to contain Islamic extremism, saying the recent attacks are not directly linked, but “terrorism breeds terrorism.”
“They are bound together by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism that preaches hatred, sows division, and promotes sectarianism,” she said. “It is an ideology that claims our Western values and freedom, democracy and human rights are incompatible with the religion of Islam.”
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Eyewitnesses said they heard the men shout “this is for Allah,” British media reported.
Police said a van plowed into pedestrians on London Bridge, then drove to the nearby Borough Market where the assailants went on a stabbing rampage. Armed officers confronted three suspects, who police said were wearing “hoax” suicide vests, at the market. All three were shot dead.
Counterterrorism police units made the arrests during a sweep in the East London community of Barking, and more homes in the area were being searched, police said.
Mark Rowley, head of counterterrorism for Metro-
politan Police, said all the attackers are thought to be dead. He said eight officers fired about 50 shots, and that one member of the public suffered a gunshot wound. The injuries to that person were not believed to be critical, he said.
Rowley lauded the courage of officers who ran toward the attack as it unfolded.
“I am humbled by the bravery of an officer who will rush towards a potential suicide bomber thinking only of protecting others,” he said.
Some of the 48 wounded taken to local hospitals were suffering life threatening injuries, and 36 remained hospitalized late Sunday, police said. Among them was a British Transport Police officer in stable condition after showing “enormous courage in the face of danger, as did many others who were at the scene and rushed to help,” Chief Constable Paul Crowther said. An off- duty MPS officer also was injured.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was “appalled and furious that these twisted and cowardly terrorists deliberately targeted innocent Londoners” and tourists. He urged all Londoners to “remain calm and vigilant today and over the days ahead.”
President Trump tweeted solidarity with Britain, tweeting “WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!” But he also took shots at political correctness and gun control.
“We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don’t get smart it will only get worse,” Trump tweeted.