The murder of British parliamentarian Jo Cox, allegedly as a result of her support for Britain's continued membership in the European Union, has stunned that nation. While the man who attacked her is plainly disturbed, the savage assault on a much-admired young politician is a reminder of the deep fissures that have been aroused by the debate over the referendum on the EU this Thursday. No matter what side someone is on in this — or any other — political debate, violence is never appropriate or acceptable as a response.
Cox was an up-and-coming Labour MP. After graduating from university, she worked as head of policy for Oxfam in Britain and internationally, as well as for other international NGOs that focus on human rights issues. She ran for parliament in 2015, winning what is generally considered a safe Labour seat in northern England. She supported Britain's continued membership in the EU.
She was attacked last Thursday as she held a "constituency surgery," an event in her home district where she met members to address their concerns. The alleged attacker, Thomas Mair, is said to have shot her three times and then stabbed her repeatedly before being grabbed by police officers. Eyewitnesses claim that Mair shouted "Britain first," or "put Britain first" during the attack.