Another act of terrorism? American killed and five wounded in London knife attack

'Early indications suggest that mental health was a factor in this horrific attack.'

An attack occurred at Russel Square in London Wednesday night, killing one American woman and injuring five people from Britain, Israel, Australia and America.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to the BBC, a 19-year-old Norwegian, with Somalian origins, spontaneously attacked people "at random" in the square.

The teen was wielding a knife, which he used to kill a woman believed to be in her sixties

Daily Mail released eyewitness footage showing the attack.

One witness held the dying American and used towels purchased earlier that day in an attempt to stanch the flow of blood then later stated: "I was just trying to console her. The victim said something about: 'He's still here, he's still here.' - after that she was not lucid. That's when I saw someone. He was meandering about. He was very disturbed."

Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene. She passed away in a pool of blood while a family of Spanish tourists held and attempted to comfort her. Her last words were, "he's still here."

Authorities arrived on the scene as the young man silently stabbed pedestrians. Nineteen-year-old Chanel Britton, who was staying in one of the Square's hotels, recorded officers tasing the boy to the ground then tackling and searching him.

He was taken to a hospital then was sent to a south London police station.

According to CNBC, Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley released the following statement: "Early indications suggest that mental health was a factor in this horrific attack. However we are keeping an open mind regarding the motive and terrorism remains one line of inquiry being explored."

None of the victims or the attacker have been named but London Mayor Sadiq Khan released a statement Thursday morning to announce safety was his first priority:

"I urge all Londoners to remain calm and vigilant. Please report anything suspicious to the police. We all have a vital role to play as eyes and ears for our police and security services and in helping to ensure London is protected."

The Sun reported the attack was "spontaneous" and "not motivated by terrorism." Rowley explained, "You would expect us in the current climate to consider all possibilities."

Met Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe released the following statement: "A normal night out in our busy capital has ended in horrific circumstances. My thoughts are with the family of the woman who was murdered and those who were injured.

"As we have already made clear, mental health remains a substantial focus for our investigation. I am proud that last night our specialist firearms officers were on the scene in six minutes and, using only a Taser, detained the subject. That demonstrates our commitment to use force in a professional and proportionate way. Their swift response undoubtedly helped to prevent more people from getting injured."

A spokesman for the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced: "We will assist the British police in the normal manner, with information and any requests they might have in their investigation."

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