UK classifies MP murder case as terrorism... "Suspect is an Islamic extremist"

"Appears to be a lone act... Counterterrorism Command conducting investigation"

British police controlling the crime scene of the murder of David Amess, Member of Parliament in the UK
[Photo by AP News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] British police have classified the stabbing murder of a Member of Parliament as a terrorist act and launched a specialized investigation.

According to The Guardian on the 16th (local time), British police made this decision after arresting and questioning the suspect, a 25-year-old British man.

The man is accused of stabbing to death David Amess, a Conservative Party MP with 38 years of experience, at a constituency event the previous day.

The Guardian reported that the suspect is a British citizen of Somali descent.

British police explained, "Initial investigations revealed that the motive for the murder is linked to Islamic extremism," and it is presumed to be a lone act by the suspect.

British police also classified the incident as a terrorist attack and stated that the counter-terrorism command is conducting the investigation.

MP Amess was killed while meeting residents at a Methodist church in the Essex area.

The police arrested the suspect at the scene and secured the weapon used in the stabbing.

This incident has brought the safety of British MPs back into the spotlight.

In the UK, in 2016, Labour MP Jo Cox, who opposed Brexit (the UK's withdrawal from the European Union), was shot and killed by a far-right individual at a local community event.

Amess was first elected as an MP in 1983, changed his constituency in 1997, and was never appointed to a ministerial position.

He grew up in a modest Catholic family. He was a supporter of Brexit and was active on issues opposing abortion and promoting animal welfare.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "I am deeply shocked and heartbroken," adding, "He was a beloved friend and colleague."

Former Prime Ministers Theresa May, David Cameron, and fellow MPs also expressed their shock and condolences.