Celebs voice horror, heartache at attack
Leaders condemn attack
LONDON, May 23, (AFP): The suicide bombing at a concert by Ariana Grande in Britain that killed 22 people, including children, sparked an outpouring of grief and condolences from pop stars and other celebrities around the world.
Here are some of the reactions:
The US pop star, who had just finished performing at an arena in the northwestern English city of Manchester, when the bomb exploded, tweeted that she was “broken” by the attack.
“From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don’t have words,” the 23-year-old, who is popular with teenagers and preteens, wrote on her Twitter account, which has more than 45 million followers.
Grande’s manager, Scooter Braun, who also represents Justin Bieber, published a longer statement on Twitter.
“We mourn the lives of children and loved ones taken by this cowardly act,” the sombre black and white picture statement read. “We ask all of you to hold the victims, their families, and all those affected in your hearts and prayers.”
Grande
The US rapper, who collaborated with Grande on hits “Bang Bang” and “Side to Side” tweeted: “My heart hurts for my sister, Ariana & every family affected by this tragic event in the UK Innocent lives lost. I’m so sorry to hear this.”
The US pop princess, a friend of Grande, tweeted: “My thoughts, prayers and tears for all those affected by the Manchester tragedy tonight. I’m sending all my love.”
The US pop superstar, who is also a friend of Grande, tweeted: “Broken hearted for the families tonight. Broken hearted for Ari. Broken hearted for the state of this world.”
The Oasis rocker, a Manchester native, tweeted: “In total shock and absolutely devastated about what’s gone down in Manchester sending Love and Light to all the family’s involved LG x”.
The former star of the Manchester United football team expressed his condolences via an Instagram message: “Heartbreaking news from Manchester. As a father & a human what has happened truly saddens me. My thoughts are with all of those that have been affected by this tragedy.”
The US singer-songwriter, who collaborated with Grande on the soundtrack for “Beauty and the Beast”, tweeted: “Sending love to the UK, @arianaGrande and all of her supporters who were caught up in this awful attack. Heartbreaking.”
The US singer-songwriter tweeted: “Devastated by the news of what happened in Manchester at @ arianagrande’s concert. Sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone affected.
The US pop legend tweeted: “My prayers go out to ppl of Manchester ... had special times there from youth and beyond.”
Meanwhile, World leaders on Tuesday expressed shock and horror at the suicide bombing in Manchester which killed at least 22 people, including children.
Here are some of the reactions:
Prime Minister Theresa May called it an “appalling terrorist attack” and suspended her campaign ahead of a general election on June 8 along with chief opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn.
“All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected,” said May.
Labour Party chief Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: “Terrible incident in Manchester. My thoughts are with all those affected and our brilliant emergency services.”
President Donald Trump condemned the “evil losers” behind the attack, saying: “I won’t call them monsters because they would like that term. They would think that’s a great name.
“So many young, beautiful, innocent people living and enjoying their lives murdered,” he said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced “sorrow and horror”, adding: “This suspected terrorist attack will only strengthen our resolve to work with our British friends against those who plan and execute such inhuman acts. I assure the people in Britain: Germany stands by your side.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to boost anti-terror cooperation with Britain after “this cynical, inhuman crime.
“We expect that those behind it will not escape the punishment they deserve,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron voiced “horror and shock” and said he planned to speak to the British prime minister.
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said it was an example of “the most cowardly terrorism” that was aimed “specifically and knowingly” at young people.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the attack was “especially vile, especially criminal, especially horrific because it appears to have been deliberately directed at teenagers.”
He added: “This is an attack on innocents. Surely there is no crime more reprehensible than the murder of children. This is a direct and brutal attack on young people everywhere, on freedom everywhere.”
Prime Minister Mark Rutte said: “Terrible news from Manchester where a great evening ended in tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims.”
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said: “I condemn the Manchester attack. My condolences to the families of the deceased and my fervent wishes that the wounded recover soon.”
Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni tweeted: “Italy joins forces with the British people and government. Our thoughts go out to the victims of the Manchester attack and their families.”