In the wake of the terrorist attack on Westminster, London’s Muslim community has launched a fundraising campaign to support the victims’ families.
A crowdfunding campaign called Muslims United for London initially aimed to raise £10,000 ($US12,500). They met that goal in less than 24 hours.
Now they've nearly reached a new target - £30,000.
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Amazing we hit our target of £10k 4victims of horrific #londonattack NEW target 20k. Let's focus on our heroes. https://t.co/8WhEpB5fUPpic.twitter.com/GimLRCz4dD
— Akeela Ahmed (@AkeelaAhmed) March 23, 2017
On Wednesday, March 22, a man drove a car into pedestrians on the Westminster Bridge in London before crashing into the railing outside Parliament. He then stabbed PC Keith Palmer, who was unarmed, before being fatally shot by armed police.
Five people were killed during the incident, including Palmer. An additional 29 people received medical treatment in a hospital, seven of whom were in critical condition.
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The attack is still under investigation. Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed that the assailant was British born.
“The British Muslim community stands with the community during these difficult times and extends their support in raising funds to help with the immediate, short-term needs of the families of Keith Palmer, the other victims and the families of the victims,” Muslims United for London said in a statement.
“While no amount of money will bring back lives lost or taken away from the pain the victims and their families are going through, we hope to lessen their burden in some way.”
100% of the funds collected will go to the victims and the victims’ families, according to the fundraising page.
Muddassar Ahmed, who launched the page told the Telegraph that the money will be distributed, “most likely through the police roll of honor trust but we are exploring several options.”
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Ahmed was in the area when the attack occurred.
“I was in a meeting and suddenly my phone started going off and people started calling me,” Ahmed told ITV. “We looked out the window and we saw a scene of horror.”
“It was so shocking and completely out of the blue,” he said. “It’s something you hear about but never expect to experience.”
Wednesday’s attack is far from the first time London has experienced politically motivated violence. During the Brexit debate last year, Parliament Member Jo Cox was murdered for her pro-immigrant stance and her involvement in the Remain movement.
In 2005, suicide bombs in the city’s transit system killed 53 people. Almost 800 people were injured.
Read More: Britain Defined by Kindness, Not Hate, Says Brendan Cox After Westminster Attack
Though many people respond to tragedy with solidarity, like the Muslims United for London Campaign, others react with fear and hate.
The latter is precisely what Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, wants to prevent.
“Sadly, after such terrorist atrocities, innocent Muslims and our Mosques are deliberately targeted as acts of Muslim hatred,” Shafiq said in a statement. “We need to remain vigilant and resolute to not allow anyone to divide our communities.”
“I want to pay tribute to PC Keith Palmer killed yesterday in the line of service defending our democracy; we pay tribute to him and offer our prayers, condolences and solidarity to his family and friends,” he said.