British lawmaker David Amess stabbed to death during meeting with constituents
London — British lawmaker Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed multiple times at a meeting with constituents in southern England, police confirmed Friday.
Police said they were called to a stabbing in Essex at around noon, and that they found an injured man and treated him for his wounds, but he did not survive.
They said a 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a murder, that counter-terrorism detectives were handling the investigation, and that a knife was found.
"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public," police said.
Amess, a 69-year-old member of the Conservative party, had been a member of Parliament since 1983. He was married with five children.
He is the second MP to be murdered in five years. In 2016, Labour MP Jo Cox was shot on the street in her constituency and died.
The Jo Cox Foundation, a charity set up in her memory, said it was "horrified" by the stabbing.
"We are thinking of him, his family and loved ones at this distressing time," the foundation said on Twitter.
U.K. politicians are generally not given police protection when are in their constituencies.
"This is an incident that will send shockwaves across the parliamentary community and the whole country," House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said, according to the Associated Press. "In the coming days we will need to discuss and examine MPs' security and any measures to be taken. But for now, our thoughts and prayers are with David's family, friends and colleagues."
There was an outpouring of grief on social media from U.K. politicians across the political spectrum.
"David was a man who believed in this country and its future. We have lost a fine public servant," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. "Everyone was deeply shocked and heart stricken."
"Horrific and deeply shocking news," Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition Labour party, tweeted. "Thinking of David, his family and his staff."
"Heartbroken. I could write reams on how Sir David was one of the kindest, most compassionate, well liked colleagues in Parliament. But I can't. I feel sick. I am lost. Rest in Peace. A little light went out in Parliament today. We will miss you," Conservative MP Tracey Crouch tweeted.