Patti Smith shares tribute to Lyra McKee following her killing

Journalist Lyra McKee was killed during rioting in Derry's Creggan estate last night, with Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton saying that he believed the 'New IRA' were behind the attack and that he would be starting a murder inquiry.

In response, politicians and prominent figures from across the board have condemned the killing.

One of those was Patti Smith, who said on Instagram this afternoon:

"This is Lyra McKee. A fearless investigative journalist and author. Beloved and trusted champion of the lost, marginalized and those, like herself, who have suffered growing up in a discrimnatory environment. She will not hold her forthcoming book The Lost Boys in her hands. Will not walk the streets of Belfast on Good Friday morning. She was shot in cold blood during rioting in Derry on Thursday night. Lyra McKee was 29 years old. And thus do we mourn our young, a brilliant flame extinguished."

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This is Lyra McKee. A fearless investigative journalist and author. Beloved and trusted champion of the lost, marginalized and those, like herself, who have suffered growing up in a discriminatory environment. She will not hold her forthcoming book The Lost Boys in her hands. Will not walk the streets of Belfast on Good Friday Morning. She was shot in cold blood during rioting on Thursday night in Derry. Lyra McKee was 29 years old. And thus do we mourn our young, a brilliant flame extinguished.

A post shared by This is Patti Smith (@thisispattismith) on Apr 19, 2019 at 3:20am PDT