Terror Attack on London Underground
By Madeleine MacLean
Prime Minister Theresa May announced late last Friday that the terror threat level in the United Kingdom has been raised from “severe” to “critical” following a terror attack in London. At least twenty-nine people were injured when an improvised explosive device was detonated on a London Underground train at Parsons Green Station.
The blast occurred at approximately 8:20 a.m. local time, in the heart of the morning rush hour. Police say it was caused by a single poorly-designed device with a timer attached to it and that the device was clearly intended to cause much greater damage than it did. Witnesses to the attack described hearing a “boom” followed by extreme panic as people rushed to escape.
Many people were taken to a nearby restaurant and some were treated by first responders. Nineteen people were taken to the hospital, but none of the injured are reported to be in serious condition. Most of the injuries appear to be flashburns. Police evacuated the area within a fifty-five yard radius of the station while they conducted their investigation.
On Saturday morning, an eighteen-year-old man was arrested in Dover in connection with the attack. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack but has offered no evidence to support this. Meanwhile, the UK is on high alert for another possible attack. Armed police have been stationed throughout London’s streets and public transport system.
After the attack occurred, President Donald Trump responded to the incident in a series of tweets. He wrote, “Another attack in London by a loser terrorist. These are sick and demented people who were in the sights of Scotland Yard. Must be proactive!” He also stated that the attack was an example of why his travel ban on visitors from predominantly Muslim countries was necessary and that it should be even tougher.
His tweets angered British officials, who dismissed the idea that the Scotland Yard already had the terrorists in their sights as unhelpful speculation.
Already this year there have been four terror attacks in England, three of which were in London. As police continue their investigation, London’s mayor assured citizens that they are doing everything they can to keep the city and its inhabitants safe.
