Following what British Prime Minister Theresa May called a “callous terrorist attack” in Manchester, leaders from around the world expressed condolences, solidarity, resolve – and anger.
“I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured in this terrorist attack, and to the many killed, and to the families – so many families – of the victims,” President Donald Trump said, hours after the deadly Monday-night attack that left 22 people dead, including children, and about five dozen others injured. “We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.
“So many young, beautiful, innocent people living and enjoying their lives, murdered by evil losers in life. I won’t call them ‘monsters,’ because they would like that term. They would think that’s a great name. I will call them, from now on, losers, because that’s what they are. They’re losers. And we’ll have more of them. But they’re losers; just remember that.”
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We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom. – The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 23, 2017
Karen and I offer our heartfelt condolences & prayers to the victims, their loved ones, and the people of Manchester. – Vice President Pence (@VP) May 23, 2017
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Police in the British city of Manchester said a lone attacker blew himself up at an Ariana Grande concert Monday, killing himself and more than 20 others. May, the prime minister, said the attack “stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice deliberately targeting innocent defenseless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.”
She called it among the worst terrorist incidents in Britain and “the worst ever to hit the north of England.”
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Pained by the attack in Manchester. We strongly condemn it. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured. – Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2017
Canadians are shocked by the news of the horrific attack in Manchester tonight. Please keep the victims & their families in your thoughts. – Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 23, 2017
Putin to @theresa_may: deep condolences over #Manchester attack, Russia ready to step up counter-terrorism cooperation with Britain – Russian Embassy, UK (@RussianEmbassy) May 23, 2017
Conveyed President Putin’s message of condolences to Prime Minister Theresa May – Alexander Yakovenko (@Amb_Yakovenko) May 23, 2017
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ANSA reported that Italian President Sergio Mattarella sent Queen Elizabeth II a message, saying: “All of Italy is dismayed by the images that came from Manchester during the night. The news of the involvement of very young boys and girls, victims of this senseless criminal violence while they were at the serene occasion of a concert, causes particular pain.”
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called Monday’s bombing an “attack on innocence,” according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
“Surely there is no crime more reprehensible than the murder of children,” he said, adding: “This is a direct attack on young people everywhere, on freedom everywhere.”
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All my thoughts go out to the victims in #Manchester and I express belgian support for #UK – Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) May 23, 2017
President @JunckerEU letter to PM @theresa_may “It breaks my heart”. @EU_Commission flags at half-mast in solidarity with #Manchester – Natasha Bertaud (@NatashaBertaud) May 23, 2017
In wake of #Manchester attack, German Chancellor Angela #Merkel tells UK, “Germany is at your side.” – DW | Politics (@dw_politics) May 23, 2017
Devastated by horrific news from Manchester. My thoughts are with victims and families. – Ambassador Ammon (@GermanAmbUK) May 23, 2017
Our flag has been lowered as a mark of respect for those affected by last night’s terror attack. Our thoughts & prayers are with Manchester. – U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) May 23, 2017
(c) 2017, The Washington Post · J. Freedom Du Lac, Jennifer Hassan
