2017 Westminster attack — terror attack which occurred on 22 March 2017 in Westminster, Greater London, England, UK
A lone-wolf Islamist attack at Westminster Bridge killed five people and exposed vulnerabilities in the security of the British Parliament.
Key Facts
- Date
- 22 March 2017
- Attacker
- Khalid Masood, 52-year-old British national
- Fatalities
- 5 (including attacker) people
- Injured
- More than 50 people
- Method
- Vehicle ramming then knife attack
- Classification
- Islamist-related terrorism
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Khalid Masood, motivated by opposition to Western military action in Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East, sent a final text message stating he was waging jihad. Amaq News Agency, linked to Islamic State, claimed he answered the group's call to attack citizens of states fighting it, though UK authorities found no direct organisational link and concluded he acted alone.
On 22 March 2017, Masood drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge and Bridge Street, fatally injuring four people and wounding more than 50 others. He then crashed into the perimeter fence of the Palace of Westminster and entered New Palace Yard, where he fatally stabbed an unarmed police officer before being shot dead by armed officers.
The attack prompted a review of security arrangements around Parliament and public bridges in London, and reinforced broader counterterrorism measures across the UK. It was classified as Islamist-related terrorism, highlighting the threat posed by individuals acting without formal organisational direction, and prompted debate about lone-actor radicalisation and protective infrastructure in urban public spaces.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Khalid Masood.
Side B
1 belligerent