Jun 22, 2020 11:49 AM EDT
LONDON (AP) The English town of Reading mourned Monday for three people stabbed to death in what is being treated as a terror attack, gathering for a moment of silence as police questioned the suspected lone attacker.
More than 100 students lit candles and laid flowers in memory of history teacher James Furlong, who was named as one of the victims. At Holt School in nearby Wokingham, where he taught, a flag in the courtyard had been lowered to half-staff.
“He was so passionate and enthusiastic about history and about learning, and anything that was boring, anything you didn’t find interesting, he would make it interesting,″ former student Molly Collins told the BBC. “He would spend time with you, he got to know people individually, and he just always went the extra mile for everyone.”
(From L-R) David Wails, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and James Furlong (L-R) have been named as the victims of the Reading terror attack. (Facebook/Thames Valley Police)
Boris Johnson has been urged to implement safeguards to ensure the Reading terror attack that took the lives of three gay men never happens again.
Khairi Saadallah, 26, was jailed for life on Monday (11 January) for a knife rampage that took the lives of three gay men: James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39.
Following the sentencing, Paul Britt, the chair of Reading Pride appealed to the prime minister to coordinate with local organisations to make sure this horrifying act of violence is never repeated.
James was a wonderful man. He was beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun. He was the best son, brother, uncle and partner you could wish for. We are thankful for the memories he gave us all. We will never forget him and he will live in our hearts forever. Martin Cooper, who is chief executive of LGBT+ charity Reading Pride, said Mr Furlong and Mr Ritchie-Bennett were great supporters and members of the community. Their loss is a tragedy to so many people, he said. It was always a pleasure drinking and socialising and just being in their company. Mr Ritchie-Bennett had moved to the UK from the US 15 years ago.
Readint error attacker sentenced READING Pride has said its members thoughts remain with the families and friends of the terror attack victims following the life sentencing of attacker Khairi Saadallah today (January 11). The 26-year-old shouted “Allahu akhbar” as he fatally stabbed friends and Pride supporters James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49 and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, in Forbury Gardens on June 20 last year. Three other people – Stephen Young, 51, Patrick Edwards, 29, and Nishit Nisudan, 34, – were also injured in the horrific attack before Saadallah threw away the eight-inch knife and ran off, pursued by an off-duty police officer. Chairman of Reading Pride, Paul Britt, said today: With the tragic loss of life, the sentencing today may help provide closure to help start the healing process within our community.
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