London Parliament In Lockdown After Suspected Terrorist Attack
by Cheryl Rosen /Three people died and at least 20 were injured in London on Wednesday, after an officer was stabbed and a vehicle struck several people on the nearby Westminster Bridge, around 2:40 p.m..
The attacker, who appeared to be trying to gain access to the palace of Westminster, was shot and killed by police at the scene.
BBC News reports three or four gunshots were heard; other media say a 4×4 vehicle mowed down a dozen pedestrians on the bridge, killing two people.
Parliament staff were told to stay inside their chambers and the House of Commons, which was in session, was suspended.
Passengers on the nearby London Eye were stranded in their pods as the attraction was shut down shortly after news of the attack spread. It reopened on Thursday afternoon.
1/2 The London Eye ticket office is now open with tickets available for 1pm onwards. Any guests who would like information about rebooking
— The London Eye (@TheLondonEye) March 23, 2017
Other attractions, including London Aquarium, London Dungeon and Shrek’s Adventure, also reopened Thursday after closing because of the attacks.
After closing Wednesday, the House of Commons reopened today, less than 24 hours after the attack.
Westminster Underground station remains closed, though passengers are allowed to use it for transfers on the Jubilee, Circle and District lines. Buses in the area are still running, though routes have been disrupted. Roads around Westminster, including The Mall and Constitution Hill, have reopened.
Scotland Yard is still asking people to avoid Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge, Whitehall, Lambeth Bridge and parts of Victoria Street.
Our thoughts are with all of those affected by yesterday’s terrorist incident in Westminster #westandtogether pic.twitter.com/HCBgYFXSNL
— Piccadilly line (@piccadillyline) March 23, 2017
At a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Theresa May called the events “an act of terrorism [that] tried to silence our democracy.” The U.S. State Department said it is ready to assist U.K. authorities as needed.
