Single gun shot killed terrorist
WESTMINSTER terror attacker Khalid Masood was killed by a single gun shot to his chest, an inquest heard.
Masood, 52, was shot dead by an armed police officer after gaining access to the Palace of Westminster grounds during last week’s attack in London.
Westminster Coroner’s Court heard yesterday that Kent-born Masood, who lived in Birmingham, earlier mounted the kerb twice in a Hyundai car as he sped across Westminster Bridge.
He then mounted it a third time, crashing, and charged into the Palace of Westminster grounds armed with two knives.
His attack, which left four people dead, lasted a total of 82 seconds.
Adjourning the inquest to May, senior coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox said: “I take a moment to pass my sympathies to the family of Masood, who are also all victims of this incident.”
An inquest into his four victims – PC Keith Palmer, 48, American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, and Aysha Frade, 44, was opened and adjourned by Dr Wilcox on Wednesday.
Met Police Detective Superintendent John Crossley, who is leading the investigation into the attack, told the inquest: “The male attacked a police officer on the ground with two knives, causing great wounds.
“He was then shot dead by a police officer.”
Masood was pronounced dead at 3.35pm, about an hour after the attack.