British Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to conservative lawmaker Sir David Amess who was stabbed to death during a meeting with constituents on Friday. Johnson said Amess was a fine public servant who was loved by friends and colleagues.
The 69-year-old lawmaker died at the scene after he was stabbed multiple times while meeting with constituents at a church in a town east of London. A 25-year-old man was arrested in connection with the slaying. In addition, authorities recovered a knife at the scene.
On Saturday, British Police told BBC they had identified the 25-year-old as Ali Harbi Ali in connection to Friday’s fatal stabbing, noting the Somali man was being held under the U.K.’s Terrorism Act. Reports said Ali was referred to the nation’s anti-terrorism program several years ago, though he was never named a formal “subject of interest.”
The Prime Minister said he’s shocked and saddened by the incident as he praised Amess for his nearly 40 years of service.
“David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future. And we’ve lost today a fine public servant and a much loved friend and our thoughts are very much today with his wife, his children and his family,” said Johnson.
Amess leaves behind his wife and five children.
