British Parliament member stabbed to death

Parliament lowered its flags to half-staff on Friday after Essex police confirmed the death of Sir David Amess. The 69-year-old member of Parliament was attacked at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, 40 miles east of London, where he was holding an open meeting with constituents. Authorities identified the suspect as Ali Harbi Ali, a 25-year-old British man with Somali heritage. He was detained on suspicion of murder under the Terrorism Act. Authorities said Ali was referred to a government-sponsored program aimed to steer people from extremism, but he was not considered a current person of interest.

Who was David Amess? The Conservative lawmaker began his political career in 1983, making him one of the longest-serving politicians in the House of Commons. He was known for socially conservative positions and for campaigning against abortion. Queen Elizabeth II knighted Amess in 2015 for political and public service. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed shock and condolences, writing that Amess was well-liked, kind, and compassionate. He was married and had five children. The House of Commons speaker called on Parliament to address politicians’ safety as this was the second fatal attack on a member in five years.

Dig deeper: Read The Sift’s coverage of the murder of British lawmaker Jo Cox in 2016.