British tourists, local leaders react to London terror attack

Central Florida Muslim leaders condemn attacks

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – British tourists visiting Orlando told News 6 Sunday morning that their country is strong, but they also believe more attacks will happen. Central Florida Muslim leaders are also speaking out and condemning the terror attacks.

While they may be in Central Florida, the hearts of many tourists are back home in England.

"I just think it's awful. Those poor people are just going about their daily lives and they don't deserve it at all," Claire Davis, who is visiting from England, said. 

Many British visitors woke up to the devastating news of their country under attack for the third time in three months.

The latest terror attack on London Bridge and Borough Market happened two weeks after the Manchester bombing where 22 people were killed during an Ariana Grande concert.

"It's coming on thick and fast, to be fair. It's going to carry on happening, I think. It's very sad and it's very upsetting," Lee Fowler, who is also visiting from England, said.

The loss of innocent lives has prompted Central Florida Muslim leaders to speak out and condemn the attacks.

Atif Fareed, with the American Muslim Community Centers of Longwood, told News 6 there is no place in today's world for extremist ideology. 

"I don't think it's going to come to an end anytime soon, but we need to stand united with one voice and say, 'This is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it,' and we will root out this evil once and for all," Fareed said.

Fareed said the people he calls "monsters" do not represent the religion of Islam.

"They are misguided, they are extremists, and they need to be put in their place and behind bars where they belong," Fareed said.

The AMCC released a statement Sunday morning regarding the attack.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the senseless tragedy in London,” the statement read. "Like all Americans, we stand strong against all forms of violence and the actions of those who attacked innocent people.  Our families are focusing on peace and service to others during this holy month of Ramadan."

As for the people of England, they say they are standing united and will not let anyone who spreads fear and terror win. 

"We're British. We are strong," Davis said.

"All we can do is stand strong and not show that terrorism is going to make us scared to leave the front door," Fowler said.

Other Central Florida officials, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Office, have tweeted their support for London since Saturday night's attack.

News 6 reached out to area universities Sunday about Central Florida students studying abroad during the attack.

Rollins College told News 6 that two of its students are in London finishing the spring semester at Queen Mary University. Both had been accounted for by school officials and are set to return home this week.


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