A man who murdered five people on London’s Westminster Bridge was lawfully killed by armed police, a jury has concluded.
Khalid Masood, 52, ran at close protection officers for a government minister with “knives still in hand” before then being shot dead by one of them.
In the proceeding moments Masood had already killed four bystanders by ramming his car into them. He then stabbed unarmed police officer Keith Palmer outside the houses of parliament. “Multiple witnesses noted Masood’s intention to inflict serious harm and/or take life as he continued his attack,” the jury concluded.
“He continued to move towards Westminster Hall without stopping or changing direction.”
The two bodyguards heard the car crashing into the pedestrians as chaos ensued in Westminster.
“The officers shouted verbal warnings at Masood, by which time both had their pistols drawn and aimed, whilst attempting to create distance between themselves and him,” the jury said.
“The warnings had no effect on Masood and he continued to move towards the officers at speed with knives still in hand.” He was then shot dead by the officer known as SA74 three times.
American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, Aysha Frade, 44, and Romanian tourist Andreea Cristea, 31, were hit by Masood’s car on Westminster Bridge, where 29 other people were seriously injured.
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Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Neil Basu said: “The two armed close protection officers who confronted this individual acted with great courage.
"They undoubtedly prevented others from being injured and further loss of life. I pay tribute to their tremendous professionalism and their bravery."
