During a regularly scheduled meeting with his constituents at a church, a major conservative leader was stabbed to death.
Conservative MP Sir David Amess, a British lawmaker from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party, was stabbed several times by a man who walked into the church alongside voters during a constituency meeting.
JUST IN – Conservative MP Sir David Amess attacked, stabbed multiple times at a church in Essex, United Kingdom.
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) October 15, 2021
The act of violence was likely planned, as Amess held these meetings regularly at the Belfairs Methodist Church in his constituency of Southend West on the first and third Fridays of each month.
According to a statement from police, the conservative leader was “treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene.”
Amess was 69 years old, and is survived by his wife and five children.
Friends and colleagues of the conservative leader are expressing their condolences and celebrating the life and achievements of Amess in posts on social media.
“For those who didn’t know Sir David Amess, this will give you a measure of the man. I’d played a small part in helping him get 200 children with learning disabilities to play the @RoyalAlbertHall. This is the video I filmed on the night of his thank you speech,” wrote Penny Mordaunt, the MP for Portsmouth North.
For those who didn’t know Sir David Amess, this will give you a measure of the man. I’d played a small part in helping him get 200 children with learning disabilities to play the @RoyalAlbertHall. This is the video I filmed on the night of his thank you speech. pic.twitter.com/aF7SCiPd3k
— Penny Mordaunt (@PennyMordaunt) October 15, 2021
“Just devastating news. David Amess was one of the kindest, friendliest people you could meet. Completely dedicated to serving his constituency, involved in so many causes & important work on animal welfare. But above all, just kind and keen to help others. We will all miss him,” wrote Yvette Cooper, the MP for Normanton, and a member of the opposing Labour Party.
Just devastating news. David Amess was one of the kindest, friendliest people you could meet. Completely dedicated to serving his constituency, involved in so many causes & important work on animal welfare. But above all, just kind and keen to help others. We will all miss him pic.twitter.com/I9L88JL3ED
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) October 15, 2021
Some people decided to show Amess’ more lighthearted side as a way to remember him.
“In 2015 David Amess was awarded a knighthood for political and public service. How did the newly-knighted Sir David celebrate? He got dressed up and released this brilliant photo,” wrote reporter Christian Calgie.
In 2015 David Amess was awarded a knighthood for political and public service. How did the newly-knighted Sir David celebrate?
He got dressed up and released this brilliant photo https://t.co/jfeFRxAbCh pic.twitter.com/7GtWr02xKi
— Calgie (@christiancalgie) October 15, 2021
“Heartbreaking to hear of the death of Sir David Amess. A decent man and respected Parliamentarian, killed in his own community while carrying out his public duties. A tragic day for our democracy. My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family,” tweeted former Prime Minister Theresa May.
Heartbreaking to hear of the death of Sir David Amess. A decent man and respected Parliamentarian, killed in his own community while carrying out his public duties. A tragic day for our democracy. My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) October 15, 2021
