Bystanders used narwhal tusk, fire extinguisher to subdue London attacker

Bystanders reportedly used a whale tusk and a fire extinguisher to subdue the attacker in Friday’s stabbing in London.

Footage has emerged of three bystanders, including one wielding a fire extinguisher and another with a 5-foot narwhal tusk, tackling 28-year-old Usman Khan, the suspect in the attack. He was ultimately shot dead by police.

It is believed the tusk was removed from the wall of Fishmongers’ Hall near London Bridge, according to The Guardian.

This makes me exceptionally proud to be British. pic.twitter.com/WS9W4s3H1z

— Martin Shapland (@MShapland) November 29, 2019

A guy who was with us at Fishmongers Hall took a 5’ narwhale tusk from the wall and went out to confront the attacker. You can see him standing over the man (with what looks like a white pole) in the video. We were trying to help victims inside but that man’s a hero #LondonBridge

— Amy Coop (@theamycoop) November 29, 2019

London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the bystanders’ bravery in subduing the attacker.

“It’s really important that we recognize that we prepare, we plan, we practice for these things, but the public don’t. The public don’t. What we saw was the best of humanity, and we should just pause sometimes and just reflect on that and give those Londoners a pat on the back,” he said Saturday.

“I’m sure over the course of the next few weeks and months they’ll be duly recognized for their bravery, and I as their mayor want to say thank you to them,” he added.

I am in awe of the people who ran towards danger to keep us all safe. The bravery of the emergency services and ordinary Londoners is incredible. @bbcbreakfast: pic.twitter.com/gcyIkKNMkH

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) November 30, 2019

Friday’s stabbing attack killed two people and wounded three others before authorities intervened, with three officers seen in footage circulated on social media surrounding Usman Khan as he grappled with another person on the ground before police pulled a man off Usman Khan and then shot the suspect.

Officials are still investigating circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities confirmed that Khan was convicted in 2012 on terrorism charges and released in December “on license,” meaning he met certain conditions for his release.