Murder of Jo Cox

Killing of Jo Cox
File:Jo Cox MP Memorial.jpg Flowers laid at the memorial for Jo Cox in Parliament Square, London, on 17 June 2016
Location	Birstall, West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom
Coordinates	53°43′53″N 1°39′40″W
Date	16 June 2016 around 12:53 pm (British Summer Time)
Attack type	Shooting, stabbing
Weapons	Firearm, knife
Deaths	1
Injured	1
Victims	Jo Cox (killed) Bernard Carter-Kenny (injured)

On 16 June 2016, Jo Cox, the British Labour Party Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen, died after being shot and stabbed multiple times in Birstall, West Yorkshire, England, shortly before she was due to hold a constituency surgery. A 52-year-old local man, Thomas Mair, was arrested in connection with Cox's death and subsequently charged with her murder and other offences.

The incident was the first killing of a sitting British MP since the death of Ian Gow in 1990, and the first in which the victim was a woman or a member of the Labour Party.

Victim

Main article: Jo Cox

Helen Joanne "Jo" Cox (1974–2016) was elected to represent the seat of Batley and Spen at the 2015 general election, having spent several years before that working for the international humanitarian charity Oxfam.

Born in Batley, West Yorkshire, Cox was a student at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in Social and Political Sciences in 1995. After working as a political assistant for the Labour MP Joan Walley and later MEP Glenys Kinnock, she joined Oxfam in 2002, rising to become head of policy and advocacy at Oxfam GB. She was selected to contest the Batley and Spen seat after the previous incumbent decided not to stand in 2015. Having doubled Labour's majority in the constituency to 6,051, she became a campaigner on issues relating to the Syrian Civil War; she also founded and chaired the all-party parliamentary group Friends of Syria.

Cox was married to Brendan Cox, who advised former Prime Minister Gordon Brown on international development during his premiership. The couple had two children, who were aged three and five at the time of her death.

Following Cox's death on 16 June 2016, West Yorkshire Coroner Martin Fleming opened an inquest at Bradford Coroner's Court on 24 June. The inquest was adjourned following a six minute hearing, and Cox's body released to allow her family to make funeral arrangements.

Attack

The library in Birstall where Cox had been due to hold a constituency surgery at the time of the attack

Around 1:00 pm on 16 June 2016, Cox was attacked by a man on Market Street, Birstall, West Yorkshire, after leaving her car to go to a library, where she had been scheduled to attend a constituency event. The man was armed with a knife and a firearm (variously described as "old or makeshift" and "probably an old sawn-off shotgun").

A witness, retired rescue miner Bernard Carter-Kenny (age 77), was waiting for his wife outside the library and recognised Cox. Soon afterward, he witnessed the assailant stab Cox, who fell to the ground. The assailant then shot and stabbed Cox further. Carter-Kenny intervened, rushing to stop the attack, and suffered a stab wound to the abdomen as he tried to tackle the attacker. Carter-Kenny was able to retreat to a nearby sandwich shop. The attacker then fled. Armed police officers attended the scene, and arrested a suspect nearby.

At 1:48 pm, Cox was pronounced dead by a doctor working with the paramedic crew attending.

Some witnesses reported that the suspect had screamed or shouted "Britain first" or "Put Britain first" as he carried out the attack.

Suspect

Thomas Alexander "Tommy" Mair (born 12 August 1963 in Kilmarnock, Scotland) was arrested in connection with Cox's death. The prosecutor, from the counter-terrorism division of the Crown Prosecution Service, later told the court that a single-barrelled firearm was recovered from Mair at the time of his arrest.

Thomas Mair was described by his younger brother, Scott Mair, as apolitical and having had a history of mental illness. Thomas Mair had lived in Birstall for at least forty years and was described as polite and reserved. In 2010, Mair attended Pathways Day Centre for adults with mental health problems. He then began doing voluntary work and was interviewed by the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, telling the newspaper that volunteering had improved his mental health. Mair said: "I can honestly say it has done me more good than all the psychotherapy and medication in the world". The evening before the killing, Mair visited an alternative therapy centre in Birstall seeking treatment for depression. He was told to return the next day for an appointment.

Mair had ties with British nationalist, pro-Apartheid and neo-Nazi groups: In the 1980s he was a subscriber to SA Patriot, a magazine published by a South African pro-apartheid group. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), an American anti-extremism group, Mair had two letters published in the follow-up magazine SA Patriot-in-Exile in 1991 and 1999. The 1991 letter says: "I still have faith that the White Race will prevail, both in Britain and in South Africa, but I fear that it's going to be a very long and very bloody struggle". The 1999 letter condemned "White liberals and traitors" as the "greatest enemy" of Apartheid. In 2006 the magazine's online newsletter asked for information on Mair's address as "recent correspondence sent to him was being returned".

The SPLC stated the suspect was a "longtime and dedicated" supporter of the National Alliance, an American-based neo-Nazi and white supremacist group. The SPLC released receipts indicating that, between 1999 and 2003, Mair had spent more than $620 buying publications from National Vanguard Books, the National Alliance's publishing arm. These included works on how to make improvised weapons, such as explosives and firearms.

Todd Blodgett, an American former far-right activist, told the SPLC that in May 2000 (when Blodgett was working as a paid informant for the FBI), Mair attended a gathering of American white supremacists in London that was convened by National Alliance head William Luther Pierce and arranged by another member of the British far-right, Mark Cotterill. According to Blodgett, the group of 15 to 20 people also included Stephen Cartwright and Richard Barnbrook, and the group discussed how to expand American white power music (such as that promoted by Resistance Records, which Pierce had recently purchased) into Europe. Blodgett described Mair as quiet, self-educated, and well-mannered, and loosely affiliated with the Leeds chapter of the National Alliance. According to Blodgett, Mair expressed racist and antisemitic views, was a Holocaust denier, and admired the neo-Nazi band Skrewdriver.

Investigation and prosecution

The Guardian reports that a special police unit that searched Mair's home "are believed to have found samples" of Nazi regalia and far-right books.

In a statement issued on 17 June 2016, West Yorkshire Police stated that Mair's links to far-right extremism were a "priority line of inquiry" in the search for a motive. Police also stated that they were keeping an open mind, investigating "how the suspect came to be in possession of an unlawfully held firearm" and looking at Mair's mental-health history. Police also stated that Cox was the victim of an "isolated but targeted" attack.

On 18 June, police announced that Mair had been charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon. The same day, he appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court and when asked to confirm his name said, "My name is death to traitors, freedom for Britain." He was asked to repeat what he had said, and did so; he also refused to give his age or address. His lawyers confirmed his name as Thomas Mair, and said there was no indication of what plea would be given. He was remanded in custody at Belmarsh Prison. Emma Arbuthnot, the Deputy Chief Magistrate presiding at the hearing added, "Bearing in mind the name he has just given, he ought to be seen by a psychiatrist."

On 20 June, a bail hearing took place at the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, the Old Bailey. Mair appeared by video link from Belmarsh Prison and spoke only to confirm his name as Thomas Mair. Mair's lawyer said that his client would not apply for bail, and the judge, Mr Justice Sweeney, remanded Mair in custody until a hearing to be held "under terrorism-related protocols" before Mr Justice Saunders. At that hearing, on 23 June, a provisional trial date was scheduled for 14 November, with a preliminary hearing on 19 September and a plea hearing on 4 October. Saunders stated that the case would be handled as part of "the terrorism case management list" on which cases related to terrorism (as defined by the Terrorism Act 2000) are placed.

Reactions

Cox's memorial at Parliament Square in London on 17 June 2016

Cox's husband Brendan issued a statement which said:

"Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. More difficult, more painful, less joyful, less full of love. I and Jo's friends and family are going to work every moment of our lives to love and nurture our kids and to fight against the hate that killed Jo. Jo believed in a better world and she fought for it every day of her life with an energy, and a zest for life that would exhaust most people. She would have wanted two things above all else to happen now, one that our precious children are bathed in love and two, that we all unite to fight against the hatred that killed her. Hate doesn't have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous. Jo would have no regrets about her life, she lived every day of it to the full."

The statement was described by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn as "one of the most moving statements I've ever heard from somebody so recently bereaved." In a later interview, broadcast by the BBC on 21 June, Brendan Cox said of his wife:

"She was a politician and she had very strong political views and I believe she was killed because of those views... I think she died because of them and she would want to stand up for those in death as much as she did in life."

Following the death, flags were flown at half-mast at British public buildings, including the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament), Buckingham Palace, and 10 Downing Street. It was announced that the Queen would write a private letter of condolence to Cox's widower. The counting of votes at the Tooting by-election, held on the day Cox died, was halted for a two-minute silence.

Corbyn stated that "The whole of the Labour Party and Labour family – and indeed the whole country – will be in shock at the horrific murder of Jo Cox today" and paid tribute to a "wonderful woman". A vigil was held in Parliament Square attended by senior politicians in the Labour party including Corbyn. First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon described the news as "utterly shocking and tragic news, which has left everyone stunned". Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo stated: "This is a truly appalling attack on a serving MP working hard to serve her community. This horrific act is an attack on democracy and the British freedoms that Jo Cox worked so diligently and passionately to defend." Rosena Allin-Khan, who won the Tooting by-election for Labour, used her victory speech to pay tribute to Cox: "Jo’s death reminds us that our democracy is precious but fragile. We must never forget to cherish it." Prime Minister David Cameron and Corbyn made a joint visit to Birstall the day after the attack, where they joined locals to lay floral tributes to Cox. Cameron said:

"The most profound thing that has happened is that two children have lost their mother, a loving husband has lost a loving wife, and parliament has lost one of its most passionate and brilliant campaigners, someone who epitomised the fact that politics is about serving others."

A vigil held in remembrance outside Bath Abbey, one of the many held around Britain

Veteran Labour politician Neil Kinnock, whose wife Glenys had supported Cox's candidacy and whose son Stephen shared an office with her, described the family's grief in a BBC television interview. Writing for the Financial Times, Sarah Brown, who worked with Cox on a campaign to reduce the number of deaths in pregnancy and childbirth said: "Jo’s life testified to her view that tolerance is not enough. We must tackle the causes of prejudice and discrimination, teach ourselves how to treat others equally and do far more to help those most in need." Cox was remembered at church services held on Sunday 19 June, including one held at St. Peter's Church, Birstall, where Rev. Paul Knight described her as a "fervent advocate for the poor and the oppressed".

More in Common event in Trafalgar Square

Friends of Cox established a fund in her memory, with proceeds to be split between three non-profit groups: Hope not Hate (anti-extremism), Royal Voluntary Service (benefiting the elderly) and the White Helmets (Syrian volunteer search-and-rescue workers). The fund raised over £500,000 in one day. Friends also organised "More in Common – Celebrating the life of Jo Cox", a public event for people to remember Cox, scheduled to take place in Trafalgar Square, London on 22 June, the date of her 42nd birthday. The London event saw Cox's family transported on a memorial boat laden with floral tributes along the River Thames to Westminster where crowds listened to speakers, who included Brendan Cox, Malala Yousafzai, Bono, Bill Nighy and Gillian Anderson; similar events took place in locations around the world, including Batley and Spen, Auckland, Paris, Washington D.C. and Buenos Aires. On 20 June, Oxfam announced that it would release Stand As One – Live at Glastonbury 2016, an album of live performances from the 2016 Glastonbury Festival in memory of Cox; proceeds from the album, released on 11 July, will go towards helping the charity's work with refugees. Musicians and festivalgoers at Glastonbury, held later that week, also paid tribute to Cox; at one concert Billy Bragg led the audience in a rendition of "We Shall Overcome" and was joined on stage by women wearing suffragette ribbons. Also on 20 June, Lizzie Armitstead, the reigning women's World Road Cycling Champion, dedicated her win on the third stage of the Women's Tour to Cox, pointing to the sky as she crossed the finishing line.

Love Like Jo campaigners in Trafalgar Square, London, 22 June 2016, listening to speeches at an event in her memory.

The killing took place exactly a week before the 2016 European Union membership referendum, due to be held on 23 June. The two rival official campaigns suspended their activities as a mark of respect to Cox. David Cameron cancelled a planned rally in Gibraltar supporting British EU membership. Campaigning resumed on Sunday 19 June. Polling officials in the Yorkshire and Humber region also halted counting of the referendum ballots on the evening of 23 June in order to observe a minute of silence. The Conservative Party, Liberal Democrats, UK Independence Party and the Green Party all announced that they would not contest the ensuing by-election in Cox's constituency as a mark of respect; Brendan Cox also ruled out standing for the seat.

Parliament was recalled on Monday 20 June to allow MPs to pay tribute to Cox. In a break from convention (under which MPs sit grouped together by party), MPs considered whether to sit together on a non-party basis for the memorial sitting, a suggestion made by Conservative MP Jason McCartney. Only a few MPs chose to do so, however. Following the sitting of Parliament, MPs and others attended a memorial service at nearby St. Margaret's church. In 20 June a petition was created calling for Bernard Carter-Kenny, who had intervened in the attack, to be awarded the George Cross and by 24 June the number of signatories had exceeded 40,000.

International reaction

• Australia: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stated that he was "deeply shocked by the murder" and that "our condolences, prayers and solidarity are with her family and the people of the UK".
• Canada: The Canadian House of Commons observed a minute of silence following tributes from MPs, including an emotional tribute from her friend Nathan Cullen, an NDP MP, who had known Cox for several years, and described her as "a dedicated Labour MP and a long advocate of human rights in Britain and around the world".
• Czech Republic: Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka sent condolences to his British counterpart, David Cameron, saying he was "touched by the dreadful news of tragic death" and asked for his sympathies to be conveyed to Cox's family.
• Finland: In his official Twitter account, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä offered his deepest condolences for the Cox family and stated that the attack against Jo Cox was an attack against democracy.
• France: Prime Minister Manuel Valls said he was "deeply sad for Mrs Cox's family and the British people".
• Germany: Chancellor Angela Merkel said the attack was "terrible" and called for a moderation of language to counter radicalisation and to foster respect.
• Greece: In his official Twitter account, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras also said he was "shocked" by the killing and that "hatred and nationalism are common enemies of our people."
• Ireland: Taoiseach Enda Kenny described the attack as an "appalling tragedy" and Tweeted that "Jo Cox, a mother doing her public duty, her life taken away. My deepest sympathies to her family". Due to the killing, he also suspended his campaign where he was to encourage Irish people living in the United Kingdom to vote in the European Union membership referendum. President Michael D. Higgins said he was "shocked, appalled and outraged at the attack".
• Italy: Prime Minister Matteo Renzi called the killing "a horrible act of hatred, which casts a shadow on the hearts of all of us".
• Netherlands: Prime Minister Mark Rutte offered his condolences and talked about a "terrible incident". He said: "We feel once more connected to the British people and the common values we carry out".
• New Zealand: Prime Minister John Key called Cox's death "a great tragedy".
  • Andrew Little, leader of the New Zealand Labour Party said the party was "sickened and saddened" by her death. Writing on the website Stuff.co.nz, Labour MP Phil Twyford, a friend who had worked with Cox at Oxfam, said "Jo will be sorely missed by her family, her friends, UK politics and the international Labour movement."
• Palestine Liberation Organisation: Dr Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the PLO Executive Committee and Palestinian National Council, mourned "Palestine’s dear friend and peace and justice activist", describing Cox as "a devoted humanitarian and member of the Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East was a passionate, courageous leader and human rights defender who tirelessly advocated for various causes, including the plight of Syrian refugees, Palestinian child prisoners and an end to the illegal blockade on Gaza". Ashrawi also expressed her condolences, stating "We are deeply saddened by such a tragic and senseless loss, and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, loved ones and the people of Britain"
• Spain: Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy wrote to British Prime Minister David Cameron to express his condolences and ask they be passed on to Cox's family.
• Sweden: In a statement, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven described the killing as an appalling attack on democracy that concerns all who believe in a free society.
• United States: President Barack Obama telephoned Brendan Cox to offer condolences. The White House released a statement which said, "President Obama offered his sincere condolences on behalf of the American people to Mr Cox and his two young children, as well as to her friends, colleagues and constituents. The President noted that the world is a better place because of her selfless service to others, and that there can be no justification for this heinous crime, which robbed a family, a community, and a nation of a dedicated wife, mother, and public servant." Secretary of State John Kerry described the killing as "an assault on everybody who cares about and has faith in democracy" and described Cox as "a young woman with an enormous talent".
  • Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2016 presidential election, said in a statement that she was "horrified by the assassination" which she described as a "violent act of political intolerance". Clinton called on people to "honour Jo Cox – by rejecting bigotry in all its forms, and instead embracing, as she always did, everything that binds us together". Former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, who was seriously injured in a shooting in 2011, stated that she was "Absolutely sickened to hear of the assassination of Jo Cox. She was young, courageous, and hardworking. A rising star, mother, and wife."

Wider context

This was the first killing of a sitting British MP for more than a quarter of a century, since the assassination of Eastbourne MP Ian Gow by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1990, and the first serious assault since Stephen Timms was stabbed by Roshonara Choudhry in an attempted assassination in 2010. Another example of an attack on an MP while carrying out their constituency duties was the attack on then-MP Nigel Jones in 2000, resulting in the death of his assistant, local councillor Andrew Pennington.

Many MPs went ahead with planned constituency surgeries scheduled for the day after Cox's death, but with increased security. A spokeswoman for the National Police Chiefs' Council said that police forces had been asked to remind MPs to be vigilant about their personal safety: "Officers will offer further guidance and advice where an MP requests it on a case-by-case basis depending on any specific threat or risk". MPs also received advice from the party whips' offices urging them to discuss security measures with their local police forces.

Cox's killing has been likened to that of Swedish politician Anna Lindh in 2003. Lindh was stabbed to death shortly before Sweden's referendum on joining the Euro, which she supported. Campaigning was also suspended after her killing. Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter noted: "Like Jo Cox, Anna Lindh was a young, successful politician, and both were the mothers of two children. Both were also participating in campaigns for the EU when they were murdered".

See also

• List of serving British MPs who were assassinated

External links

Media related to Death of Jo Cox at Wikimedia Commons