On March 22, 2017, a terror attack in central London resulted in at least five deaths and numerous injuries, with the attacker using a vehicle to strike pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before fatally stabbing a police officer at the Houses of Parliament. Initial reports suggested the attack could be politically motivated, with police indicating the assailant was inspired by international terrorism, specifically Islamist-related motives. The attacker, Khalid Masood, had a history of violent behavior and prior convictions for assaults and possession of weapons, though he had not been previously convicted of terrorism offenses. The incident raised discussions about the nature of such attacks, including the use of knives versus firearms in Europe due to stricter gun laws. As investigations continued, authorities urged caution against jumping to conclusions about the attacker's motivations and background.