Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s sibling urges thorough investigation and honors sister’s sacrifice

In the aftermath of the Nottingham terrorist attack, the brother of Grace O’Malley-Kumar, who displayed immense bravery during the incident, has delivered a poignant statement. Grace tragically lost her life while attempting to save her friend during the attack in June 2023.

The 19-year-old student showcased remarkable courage when she tried to apprehend Valdo Calocane after he attacked her good friend, Barnaby Webber, during an end-of-exam night out. The prosecutor praised Grace for her “incredible bravery” as she attempted to protect her friend, pushing the assailant away. However, Calocane delivered fatal blows, taking the lives of Grace, Barnaby, and 65-year-old cleaner Ian Coates.

Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s brother, devastated by the loss, spoke out during a meeting with Rishi Sunak at Number 10 Downing Street. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the attacks, stating, “We’ve lost Grace, we’ve lost Ian, we’ve lost Barnaby – we want (an investigation into the attacks) to be as thorough as possible to make sure those gaps are filled and the relevant people have been held accountable.”

Expressing the profound impact of the tragedy on his life, he admitted, “I’m not coping well; I’ve lost my best friend, I’ve been lost since June 13, and I’m struggling immensely, but this is what I can do to make my sister proud, so I will do everything I can. That’s why I’m here today.”

The devastating attack has left the entire family in grief, seeking justice for their lost loved ones. During the meeting, the Prime Minister acknowledged various options, including a public inquiry, to address the concerns raised by the victims’ families.

Despite Grace’s physical absence, her extraordinary bravery in the face of danger continues to be remembered. Calls for her to be posthumously awarded a George Cross medal have surfaced, highlighting the exceptional nature of her efforts to save her friend.

In a significant development, Leicestershire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over its investigation into assaults allegedly committed by Valdo Calocane in May 2023, weeks before the fatal attack. The IOPC is now assessing the referral to determine if further action is required.

As the investigation unfolds, the tragic events in Nottingham shed light on the complexities of addressing issues related to public safety, mental health, and law enforcement protocols. The brother’s heartfelt plea serves as a reminder of the human toll and the ongoing quest for justice.