Accused killer of UK lawmaker makes defiant court statement

An image and floral tributes for Jo Cox, lay on Parliament Square, outside the House of Parliament in London, Friday, June 17, 2016, after the 41-year-old British Member of Parliament was fatally injured Thursday in northern England. The mother of two young children was shot to death Thursday afternoon in her constituency near Leeds. A 52-year-old man has been arrested but has not been charged. He has been named locally as Tommy Mair. AP Photo

LONDON — The accused killer of British lawmaker Jo Cox has given his name as “Death to traitors, freedom for Britain” in his first court appearance.

Thomas Mair, 52, made his defiant statement Saturday in Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London.

West Yorkshire Police had charged Mair overnight with murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit a crime, and other gun charges.

READ: Suspect charged with murdering British lawmaker–police

Labor Party lawmaker Cox was killed Thursday after getting out of her car in the town of Birstall in her home constituency. She was 41.

Vigils have been held across the country in her memory and Parliament has been recalled Monday to honor her.

U.S. President Barack Obama telephoned her husband to express condolences and released a statement praising her commitment and service.

READ: Obama condemns ‘heinous murder’ of British lawmaker

Campaigning ahead of Thursday’s referendum on whether Britain should leave the European Union has been suspended since the shooting.

Police have praised the bravery of an elderly man who tried to aid Cox and was seriously injured. The man is recovering in hospital.

The attack has raised security concerns for other members of Parliament who routinely meet with constituents in public meetings.