He has been charged by police with murder, causing grievous bodily harm, and possession of a firearm and another offensive weapon.
Advertisement
Earlier police said an unnamed 77-year-old man who “bravely intervened” to assist Cox as she was attacked was in a stable condition in hospital after being injured in the abdomen.
Any previous allegations about Mair can not be reported under British law in order not to prejudice the case against him.
Cox was a former aid worker and Labour legislator who had championed the plight of Syrian refugees and strongly backed a “remain” vote in Thursday’s European Union poll.
The Batley and Spen MP and married mother-of-two was killed as she prepared to hold a constituency surgery, receiving stab wounds and gunshot wounds in a frenzied attack.
Although the motive has not been determined, some politicians and commentators have pointed to the heated referendum debate, where sensitive issues like national identity and immigration have featured prominently.
Prime Minister David Cameron described her as a “rising star” who “embodied Britain at her best” while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said she was an “exceptional, wonderful, very talented woman”.
Mair was arrested at 1.25pm in Risedale Avenue, about a mile from the scene, by two officers who saw a white man wearing a black blood-smeared baseball cap and carrying a black holdall.
British MPs have also been recalled to parliament, which was in recess ahead of the referendum, for a special tribute to Cox on Monday.
Speaking for her family, the sister of slain British parliamentarian Jo Cox told her country and the world that the violent attack would not quell her sister’s spirit.
U.S. President Barack Obama telephoned her husband to express condolences and released a statement praising her commitment and service.
A fundraising campaign started on Friday by friends and family of Mrs Cox has already raised more than £220,000.
In statements on the group’s website that predate Ms. Cox’s killing, Britain First said that it holds some lawmakers to blame for facilitating the immigration that they say is the root of numerous U.K.’s problems.
The day before her killing, Cox joined her husband and two young children in campaigning for the pro-EU cause on the River Thames, where the family had lived in a houseboat since her election a year ago.
A memorial fund to raise money for charities she supported has reached more than £800,000.
Yesterday, MPs paid their respects to Cox during an emotional session in parliament.
Advertisement
Her children, Lejla, three, and Cuillin, five, along with their dad Brendan and Jo’s parents listened to the tributes.
