Shortly after midnight in North London, a van struck pedestrians who were leaving a well-known mosque after late-night prayers associated with Ramadan. According to the police, there were “a number of casualties.” One person has been arrested.
The mosque in question — Finsbury Park Mosque — has a reputation as a focal point for radical Islamists. However, it is said to have transformed itself, or at least its image. The mosque’s leadership has been outspoken in advocating interfaith harmony.
During the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn invited Donald Trump to visit Finsbury Park Mosque to show him how “multicultural, multifaith” Britain “works.” Trump declined — wisely, I think.
All of this is beside the point right now, though. We can only pray for the victims of what almost certainly is a terrorist attack, and await more information.
UPDATE: Reportedly, one person was killed in the attack. Eight others are being treated at hospitals in London. Two more sustained injuries, but weren’t hospitalized.
The driver of the van is in police custody. According to the police, he is a 48 year-old male. One witness says he is white, with heavily tattooed arms. Some witnesses have said the driver was not alone in the van, but this remains to be seen.
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