Muslim Women Gather On Westminster Bridge To Condemn ‘Abhorrent’ Attack

Women formed a human chain along Westminster Bridge tonight to remember the victims of the attack on March 22.

Four people were killed when Khalid Masood drove a rented SUV along the pavement, mowing down pedestrians and leaving three with fatal injuries. He then crashed into railings outside the Houses of Parliament, left the vehicle and stabbed PC Keith Palmer to death as he stood on guard.

Four days after the attack shook London, women from different backgrounds came together in solidarity to condemn the horrific crime and show unity in the face of terror.

Many of those present were Muslim, wearing blue as a symbol of hope and peace.

Ayesha Malik, a 34-year-old mother-of-two from Surrey, said: ‘As a visible Muslim I think it was important to show solidarity with the principles that we all hold dear, the principles of plurality, diversity and so on.’

Sarah Waseem, 57, from Surrey, said: ‘When an attack happens in London, it is an attack on me.

‘It is an attack on all of us. Islam totally condemns violence of any sort. This is abhorrent to us.’

Fariha Khan, 40, a GP from Surbiton, said: ‘The feeling of what happened here on Wednesday was really strong.

‘We thought of the ordinary people who were here and were mown down, standing here like this, it was very overwhelming.’

People from a range of backgrounds joined the event, organised by Women’s March On London.

Ahmadiyya Muslims said they wanted to add to the condemnation of the violent attack and stand defiant in the face of terrorism.

Londoner Mary Bennett said she was present to make a ‘small gesture’.

The retired healthcare worker said: ‘I am here to show that in a quiet way we continue to go where we like and do what we like in London.

‘This is my city. It’s a very small gesture but life is made up of small gestures.’