Donald Trump pays tribute to 'great American' Kurt Cochran killed in Westminster
Donald Trump has paid tribute to a US tourist killed in the Westminster terror attack, calling him “a great American”.
Kurt Cochran was on holiday with his wife to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary when he died after falling from Westminster Bridge.
He was the third of four victims killed when Kent-born Khalid Masood went on a rampage outside the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday afternoon.
Also killed was PC Keith Palmer, Spaniard Aysha Frade and a 75-year-old man who is yet to be named.
On Thursday evening the US President tweeted a tribute to US victim Mr Cochran, whose wife Melissa is recovering from hospital after being seriously injured.
President Trump said: “A great American, Kurt Cochran, was killed in the London terror attack.
“My prayers and condolences are with his family and friends.”
A great American, Kurt Cochran, was killed in the London terror attack. My prayers and condolences are with his family and friends.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 23, 2017
Previously, on the day of the attack, the US leader said: “Spoke to U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May today to offer condolences on the terrorist attack in London.
“She is strong and doing very well.”
Spoke to U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May today to offer condolences on the terrorist attack in London. She is strong and doing very well.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 23, 2017
Former US president Barack Obama also tweeted his own message of support, which read: “My heart goes out to the victims and their families in London.
“No act of terror can shake the strength and resilience of our British ally.”
My heart goes out to the victims and their families in London. No act of terror can shake the strength and resilience of our British ally.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 23, 2017
The family of Mr Cochran said they were "heartbroken" to hear of his death and called him a good man and loving husband.
Mr Cochran and his wife were due to return to the US on Thursday.
Police said 29 people were injured in the incident, including several critically.
The latest victim who died, a 75-year-old man, had his life support withdrawn on Thursday evening.
Isis has claimed responsibility for the attack and police have carried out raids across Birmingham and east London.
Masood, 52, had been known to MI5 as a “peripheral figure”, Theresa May told the Commons. He was born in Kent but had recently moved to Birmingham.
On Thursday evening Londoners held an emotional vigil for the victims in Trafalgar Square, attended by Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.