“Sir David was assassinated ruthlessly and irrationally, working in his constituency as he had done in a distinguished political career of almost 40 years. The assassination of Sir David was an attack on democracy and we will never let terrorists prevail.” During the trial, Old Bailey heard that Ali had been referred to the government’s radical prevention program in 2014, but deceived officials into believing he was no longer a threat. He began plotting his attack a few years later, buying a 12-inch knife and searching eight times for Parliament buildings as well as other MPs’ homes, but his plans were thwarted by a lockdown for Covid. Prior to the October attack, he made six reconnaissance trips to Michael Gove’s addresses, including his family home. Mr Gove said the revelation had put “deep pressure” on his family. Ali also considered attacking Tory MP Mike Freer, whose staff now wears stabbing vests and carries panic alarms when he meets voters in the wake of the threat. On October 15 last year, Ali left his home in Kentish, north London, and traveled to the Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where he was to meet Sir David after making an appointment for a false address. Shortly after noon, Ali sent a manifesto to his family and friends asking them to justify his actions and told 69-year-old Sir David that he was “sorry” before stabbing him.
