Many in Central Florida have a strong connection to the United Kingdom, including one woman who feels deeply about the terror attack that left four dead and nearly 30 injured Wednesday.

  • Death toll at 5, including attacker
  • 29 people hospitalized
  • Central Florida has strong ties to UK

Melanie Gold holds dual citizenship and grew up 10 minutes from Parliament, where Wednesday's attack happened.

She said this attack and attacks like this worry her because of the reaction they normally cause.

"This is a situation that helps these people win. They win over us, by doing this, because out of fear we are reacting and creating a change in our policies and who our values are," Gold said.

To show support, Wednesday night the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye lit up blue, white and red to look like the Union Jack.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria group claimed responsibility Thursday for the attack, in which a driver plowed an SUV into pedestrians on London's Westminster Bridge, killing two and wounding dozens. The driver then stabbed police officer Keith Palmer inside the gates of Parliament before being shot dead by armed officers.

Four people died in the attack and its aftermath, including an American citizen. The Mormon church said in a statement that Kurt W. Cochran and his wife, Melissa, were on the last day of a trip celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. Melissa Cochran is one of the people hospitalized.

Law enforcement agencies across Central Florida reached out to show their support for the London victims via Twitter.

Orlando Police tweeted, "We stand with our Law Enforcement family in #London as it grieves the loss of an officer in the attack today."

Florida Highway Patrol Orlando said, "#Troopers stand with our Law Enforcement family in #London as it grieves the loss of one of their own. #ThinBlueLine."

The Orange County Sheriff's Office, meanwhile, issued a response from Sheriff Jerry Demings on the UK attack. It said in part, "Our hearts are with you #PrayforLondon."

Florida Gov. Rick Scott said, "Watching the news in London and praying for everyone's safety."

Watching coverage of the terror act not only makes Gold sad, but she also expressed concern for the future.

“These random acts of violence are possibly changing who we are as a country, making us more nationalist, less inclusive," Gold said.