SHAFAQNA – The Prince of Wales has delivered a personal message of solidarity from the Queen as he visited faith leaders and community members including a victim of the suspected terror attack in Finsbury Park.
One man died and nine people were taken to hospital when a van driver targeted an area busy with worshippers attending Ramadan night prayers at a nearby mosque in the early hours of Monday.
Speaking to faith leaders sitting in a circle, he said he felt joy at being with them “despite the very sad, unfortunate circumstances” and that he remembered with “great fondness” his visit there 30 years ago.
He said: “But I did particularly want to bring a message from the Queen on this particular occasion.
“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.
“And if I may say so, 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.”
He made the comments during a visit to Muslim Welfare House – a stone’s throw away from the scene of the attack which saw Muslim pedestrians mown down with a van.
Charles added that he was “deeply impressed” by the imam who shielded the suspect until police arrived and “his remarkable actions on that occasion”.
Imam Mohammed Mahmoud was hailed for his efforts to prevent a mob attack on Monday before police arrived in shielding the suspected terrorist from the fury of onlookers.
“Thank goodness we have wonderful leaders,” he added.
Before the meeting Charles also greeted Yassin Hersi, 45, who was injured in the attack.
“Are you sure you should be here?”, he asked the man, who was on crutches and had his right leg in a cast.