U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP CALLS THE SHOOTING AN ‘ACT OF PURE EVIL’
Addressing the nation on TV, US president urges Americans to find unity and peace
PRESIDENT Donald Trump was joined by current and former world leaders yesterday as they reacted in shock to the mass shooting at a Las Vegas music festival on Sunday.
Trump, in a televised address to the nation after a gunman killed more than 50 people and wounded hundreds more on Sunday night, described the shooting as “an act of pure evil”.
“Last night, a gunman opened fire on a large crowd at a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. He brutally murdered more than 50 people and was an act of pure evil.
“Melania and I are praying for every American who has been hurt, wounded or lost the ones they love so dearly in this terrible, terrible attack,” he said.
“We pray for the entire nation to find unity and peace. And, we pray for the day when evil is vanished and the innocent are safe from hatred and from fear.
“In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one and it always has. We call upon the bonds that unite us. Our faith, our family and our shared values.”
“We call upon the bonds of citizenship, the ties of community and the comfort of our common humanity. Our unity cannot be shattered by evil. Our bonds cannot be broken by violence.
“And though we feel such great anger at the senseless murder of citizens, it is our love that defines us today and always will forever.”
Former president Barack Obama said on Twitter: “Michelle & I are praying for the victims in Las Vegas. Our thoughts are with their families & everyone enduring another senseless tragedy.”
Pope Francis, in a statement, said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the shooting in Las Vegas... and sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this senseless tragedy”.
British Prime Minister Theresa may said she spoke with Trump and that Britain would offer any help US investigators needed.
“The UK’s thoughts are with the victims and the emergency services responding to the appalling attack in Las Vegas,” she said on Twitter. Agencies