After the tragic death of MP Jo Cox on Thursday, the man accused of killing her has appeared in court.
Thomas Mair, 52, gave his name as "Death to traitors, freedom for Britain" at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
He has been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of an offensive weapon, GBH and murder.
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For those of us expecting even an ounce of regret for his actions, this comes as a massive surprise.
When asked to give his correct name, the defendant refused and did not reply when asked to give his address and date of birth. He has now been remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Monday (20 June).
Credit: Getty
Jo Cox, 41, Labour MP for Batley & Spen, was holding a surgery at Birstall Library for her constituents when the attack took place.
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She was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by air ambulance but unfortunately passed away.
Armed officers responded to the incident near a library in Birstall, West Yorkshire around 12.53pm. The man who shot and stabbed Jo Cox shouted "Britain First" as he carried out the horrific attack, according to eyewitnesses.
According to the Guardian, 38-year-old Graeme Howard said he heard a man shout "Britain First" during the attack. However, this has not yet been confirmed by police.
A second eyewitness Clarke Rothwell told the Examiner that the man shouted "Britain First, Britain First." She was reportedly within yards of the attack in Birstall.
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He added: "I looked round and there was a guy standing over a woman on the floor. He seemed to have what looked like an old gun, like a musket, in his hand and he shot her again in the middle. He then seemed to shoot a third time, towards her head or face.
"He was also stabbing at her with what looked like a hunting knife, about a foot long. He was stabbing her and waving the knife around. A man who I know as Bernard tried to get near but the man swung his knife around and caught him in the stomach. Blood started coming out."
Police search the home of Thomas Mair. Credit: Getty
According to the Independent, Aamir Tahir, of the Dry Clean Centre, said the gunman was heard shouting "Britain First."
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He said: "The lady I work with heard two loud bangs but I wasn't there, I was stuck in traffic at the time. I wish I was there because I would have tried to stop him.
"The whole street thinks it was me but it wasn't. Apparently the guy who did it shouted 'Britain First' and if I had been there I would have tackled him."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn issued a statement. He wrote: "Jo died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve. It was a profoundly important cause for all of us.
"Jo was universally liked at Westminster, not just by her Labour colleagues, but across parliament."
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A 77-year-old man was also injured whilst attempting to help Mrs Cox. He is in a stable condition in hospital.
RIP Jo Cox.
Words by Mel Ramsay
Featured image credit: PA Images
Featured Image Credit:Topics: UK politics, Labour, Murder, Politics