London Bridge terror attack: Gillingham Imam speaks out
12:58, 01 December 2019
updated: 07:47, 02 December 2019
Gillingham Imam Safeer Khan has spoken out to condemn terrorism and praise the heroes who stopped the London Bridge attacker.
Two people died when 28-year-old Usman Khan launched the knife attack at a Cambridge University conference on prisoner rehabilitation at nearby Fishmongers Hall on Friday.
But the attacker, who was also wearing a fake suicide vest, was shot dead by police after being followed onto London Bridge and brought to ground by members of the public.
Following the incident Mr Khan, Imam from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Gillingham, condemned the terrorist and spoke of the need for communities to stand united in the face of terrorism.
"I just wanted to let our locals know that we strongly condemn it and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims," he told the KM Group. "Many might now have been sick and tired of these terrorists, so, are we as Muslims, as these people tarnish our religion and destroy our peace. Islam doesn’t allow terrorism. These people are clearly brainwashed and need to be monitored closely.
"We stand with our communities in solidarity, we salute the bravery of those who put an end to this. Many of those heroes were from different backgrounds, showing that we are stronger together and diversity and unity is our strength.
"Prayers were offered by our community members at London Bridge yesterday."
It has since emerged that at least two ex-offenders who were attending the rehabilitation conference, including convicted murderer James Ford from Ashford - were among those who attempted to tackle the terrorist and help the injured.
Dramatic footage shows how two men armed with a fire extinguisher and 5ft narwhal tusk, taken from the conference hall, kept the attacker at bay on London Bridge before he was brought to the ground.
