Trump in attack on Khan over response to atrocity
The reponse of police and emergency service crew has been widely praised. Top, officers at the scene of the attacks near London Bridge, left, forensic teams outside Borough Market and armed police on patrol by the Shard, right DONALD TRUMP yesterday attacked London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s response to the terror atrocity in the capital.
After the attack on London Bridge, the Mayor called on the public to not be alarmed.
The US President initially tweeted: “Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!”
But as day broke in the US he attacked Mr Khan: “At least seven dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is ‘no reason to be alarmed!”’
In a further tweet, below, Mr Trump also appeared to use the situation to renew his call for a controversial travel ban on visitors from six mainly Muslim countries to be upheld by US courts. The US state department later issued a separate statement offering solidarity to the UK. “The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request,” it said. Other world leaders also sent support to Britain. President Emmanuel Macron said France, which had two citizens injured in the attack would be “more than ever at Britain’s side”.
Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull sent his “prayers and resolute solidarity”. One Australian was in hospital after the attack, he said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: “Today we are united across borders in horror and mourning, but also in determination.”
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was following the incidents “with horror”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin “sends his deepest condolences”, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Later in a telegram to the Prime Minister Theresa May, Mr Putin said fighting terrorism “should be a mutual response”.
Commonwealth leaders also rallied round Britain.
“Awful news from London tonight,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“New Zealand’s thoughts are with the victims,” said Prime Minister Bill English.
The country’s Herald newspaper reported that a New Zealander was recovering from stab wounds after the attack.