1 Dead, 5 Wounded in London Knife Attack
London Metropolitan Police have arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of murder following a knife attack around Russell Square that left one person dead and five others wounded. A latest update shows two survivors are still in the hospital.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said authorities believe the attack was not motivated by religious beliefs, despite the fact that the stabbing was first reported as a terrorist attack. The police believe the attack was related to mental health issues and that no evidence of radicalization was found.
The person who has died as a result of a stab wound to the back in the attack was an American woman in her 60’s, according to police. The other victims were Australian, Israeli and British. Police believe the victims were chosen at random.
The attack comes just as European countries beef up security as a direct result of the recent attacks in France and Germany. The day of the attack, London had just announced a deployment of 600 officers to the streets, part of a mission they call Operation Hercules.
Londoners woke up the morning after the attack to a heavier police presence on the streets. Rowley said the extra officers are there “to provide reassurance and safety.” He is asking the public to stay calm, vigilant and alert.
"The safety of all Londoners is my number one priority and my heart goes out to the victims of the incident in Russell Square and their loved ones," London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a statement from his press office.