Justice Secretary Tells Parliament Suspect Was ‘Not Previously Known’ to National Prevention Programme
— The Justice Secretary has told lawmakers that the individual arrested in connection with the investigation into an attack on veteran politician Margaret Ellison was “not previously known” to the country’s National Prevention Programme, as Parliament sought answers over the incident.
Addressing the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon, Justice Secretary Rebecca Lawson said preliminary findings indicated there had been no prior referrals involving the suspect through the government’s early-intervention framework.
“Based on the information currently available to investigators, the individual was not previously known to the National Prevention Programme,” Lawson told MPs.
She cautioned that the investigation remained in its early stages and urged members of the public to avoid speculation while detectives continued gathering evidence.
Investigation continues
Police confirmed that a man had been taken into custody shortly after the incident, which occurred during a public engagement attended by local residents, journalists, and community representatives.
Authorities said officers responded within minutes after receiving emergency calls and secured the surrounding area while forensic teams examined the scene.
No additional arrests had been made as of Thursday evening.
Investigators continued reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and analysing digital evidence recovered during searches.
Officials declined to comment on a possible motive, saying it would be inappropriate to draw conclusions before the investigation had progressed further.
Parliament calls for transparency
Members from across the political spectrum expressed concern over the incident and called for a thorough review once the criminal investigation had concluded.
Opposition leaders said Parliament should receive a full briefing on security arrangements for elected officials and public events.
Several MPs also urged ministers to examine whether existing early-intervention programmes had sufficient resources to identify individuals who may present future risks.
Lawson said the government would cooperate fully with any independent review.
“If lessons need to be learned, they will be learned,” she told the chamber.
Security measures under review
The Ministry of Justice confirmed that security guidance for public officials would be reassessed in light of the incident.
Officials stressed that no immediate changes had been announced but said existing procedures would be reviewed alongside police recommendations.
Security experts noted that elected representatives regularly balance accessibility to the public with personal safety, making risk assessments an ongoing challenge.
Appeal for calm
Police urged the public not to circulate unverified information while the investigation remained active.
Authorities said inaccurate online speculation could complicate inquiries and cause unnecessary distress to those involved.
Community leaders also appealed for restraint, encouraging residents to rely on official updates rather than rumours shared on social media.
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives said further information will be released when it is appropriate to do so.