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Westminster Attacker’s Wife Condemns his Killing Spree | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Flower at the attack scene in Westminster Bridge on March 23, 2017. (AFP)


London – The wife of Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood said she “totally condemns” his killing spree and was left “saddened and shocked” by the atrocity.

Masood’s mother, Janet Ajao, said she had “shed many tears” for her son’s victims.

“I am so deeply shocked, saddened and numbed by the actions my son has taken that have killed and injured innocent people in Westminster. Since discovering that it was my son that was responsible I have shed many tears for the people caught up in this horrendous incident.” Ajao said in a statement.

She stressed that she does not condone his actions nor support the beliefs he held that led to him committing this atrocity.

In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, Masood’s wife, Rohey Hydara said: “I am saddened and shocked by what Khalid has done. I totally condemn his actions. I express my condolences to the families of the victims that have died, and wish a speedy recovery to all the injured.”

In a statement to the Associated Press, Hydara poured scorn on her husband’s act of terror and requested privacy for her family, especially the children, at this difficult time.

Last Wednesday, Khalid Masood, 52, drove at speeds of up to 76mph as he ploughed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four people and injuring over 50, all in 82 seconds. He stabbed policeman Keith Palmer to death with two knives outside parliament.

Masood was shot dead by armed officers outside the Palaces of Westminster.

Meanwhile, Scotland Yard placed new barriers around Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace following the parliament attack.

The additional security measures in Windsor were introduced to protect the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The ceremony – which takes place on most week days – is hugely popular with tourists and more than 1.3 million people visit the castle every year.

Thames Valley Police chief constable Dave Hardcastle said there had been no evidence of a threat to Windsor Castle, but recent events had highlighted the need for added security.

“The Force believes that it is proportionate and necessary to put in place extra security measures to further protect and support the public and the Guard Change. This is consistent with security deployments in London,” he added.