Toronto – Just two days after a lone suspect drove a van into a crowd of Muslim worshippers outside the Finsbury Park mosque, Prince Charles visited the site to pay his respects to the victims and the mosque’s imam, who is being praised as a hero.
After touring the floral tributes, Prince Charles met with moved indoors to meet with community and religious leaders, including the mosque’s imam, Mohamed Mahmoud. He has been widely praised ever since video showing him shielding the suspect from harm and preaching calm until police arrived on the scene of the attack went viral.
Prince Charles spoke of feeling “deeply impressed” by Mahmoud and his deep commitment to his community and justice, calling his actions on Monday night “remarkable.”
“Thank goodness we have wonderful leaders,” he said.
Charles described feeling joy in being present “despite the very sad, unfortunate circumstances.”
He then announced that he bore a message from Her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II:
“She has specifically asked me to tell you how shocked she was by what happened, particularly as the victims were worshippers who had been attending Ramadan prayers – and her Majesty’s thoughts and prayers are with you all.
He then added his own message, saying “I can only but join my particular thoughts and prayers to her Majesty’s on this occasion, and to say that for many years I have taken a great interest in the Muslim community in this country.”
The suspect, 47-year-old, Darren Osborne, remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder and acts of terrorism.
One man, 51-year-old father of six, Makram Ali, died in hospital after falling just seconds before the attack began. Nine people in total were injured before Osborne could be subdued. Four of them are still being treated, two of whom are still listed in critical condition.
