'R.I.P Lee Rigby’: World Leaders, Twitter Mourn 25-Year-Old Soldier And Loving Father Killed In Woolwich Terrorist Attack
As Muslim terrorists brutally beheaded a soldier on Wednesday in Woolwich, London, the victim has been identified as Drummer Lee Rigby. Upon hearing the news, people from around the world mourned through Twitter, saying "RIP Lee Rigby."
The U.K. Ministry of Defence stated on Thursday, "It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce that the soldier killed in yesterday's incident in Woolwich, South East London, is believed to be Drummer Lee Rigby."
Drummer Lee Rigby of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was just 25 years old when he was assaulted by two Muslim terrorists with machetes.
Rigby had a son, Jack, at age two, at the time he was brutally killed. Rigby was born in Crumpsall, Manchester and joined the army in 2006.
In response to the tragedy, Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, mourned by saying that he was "shocked and saddened" by the "senseless murder."
Rigby was said to be "a soldier who served the army faithfully in a variety of roles, including operational tours in Afghanistan."
Hammond also extended his condolences, saying "Our thoughts today are with his family and loved ones who are trying to come to terms with this terrible loss."
People around the world who have heard the news about Rigby also shared on Twitter, saying "R.I.P Lee Rigby and thank you for serving your country."
They also pledged to keep Rigby in their memories, "our thoughts are with you and your family." Others tweeted that Rigby is "gone but never forgotten."
The Ministry of Defence called Drummer Rigby "an extremely popular and witty soldier" and "a loving father to his son Jack."
The statement also said, "Drummer Rigby was a larger than life personality within the Corps of Drums and was well known, liked and respected across the Second Fusiliers. He was a passionate and life-long Manchester United fan."
The Ministry of Defence ended their statement by saying, "The regiment's thoughts and prayers are with his family during this extremely difficult time. 'Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier.'"
