A man has been accused of stabbing three men to death in a Reading park.
Khairi Saadallah, 25, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder, Thames Valley police said.
Friends James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, were killed in the attack at Forbury Gardens on June 20. A terrorist incident was later declared.
Saadallah, who is from Reading, will appear before the magistrates on Monday.
Three other people injured in the attack have since left the hospital.
The fight against police terrorism in the Southeast continues to lead the investigation.
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Post mortem testing revealed that David Wails, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and James Furlong each died from a single stab wound.
Furlong was head of history and government and politics at The Holt School in Wokingham. His parents said their son was “beautiful, smart, honest and fun” and that “he will live in our hearts forever.”
Ritchie-Bennett was a US citizen and moved to the UK 15 years ago. His father Robert Ritchie told US television network CBS that the family was “heartbroken” and said that his son, who was originally from Philadelphia, was “brilliant and loving.”
And scientist Mr. Wails was described as “always happy” and a person who “always made people smile.”
Virtual vigil
Members of the victims’ families lit candles at a vigil in Reading, which the local council is broadcasting online.
Home Secretary Priti Patel is among the vigil officials at Market Place. People participating in the virtual memorial have also been encouraged to light a candle and place it on doors or windows.
An online condolence book has also been opened for people to pay tribute to the three friends, who were members of the LGBT community.
Reading Pride executive director Martin Cooper said he had also been friends with the three men and that they were “big supporters” of the community. He described them as “true gentlemen” and said that each had a “unique personality”.
“They were a support network for individuals, and I know many will miss them very much,” added Cooper.
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Reading District Council
Families of the victims gathered to light candles at a vigil in Reading on Saturday
Council Leader Jason Brock said: “There is an overwhelming sense of grief within the Reading community from the tragic events of last Saturday.
“The council and the public are united in their desire to mourn victims and remember them appropriately.”
Thames Valley Police Chief John Campbell said: “In times of such a tragedy, we often see the best of our communities and that has certainly been the case in Reading.
“I know it will take time for everyone to heal, but we are with you and will do everything we can to support you, as your police.”
Saadallah is scheduled to appear before the Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday.
The 25-year-old man arrived in the UK from Libya in 2012. He originally applied for asylum and was given permission to stay in 2018.
