Donald Trump and Other World Leaders Respond to Attacks in Sri Lanka
President Donald Trump and other world leaders responded Sunday morning to the series of bombing attacks at churces and hotels in Sri Lanka that have left scores of dead and hundreds injured.
"138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels," tweeted Trump. "The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!"
138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2019
The Guardian noted that Trump had issued a slightly different tweet minutes earlier, though that was deleted without explanation and replaced with the above message.
In a letter to the Sri Lankan president, German Chancellor Angela Merkel wrote: "It is shocking that people who had gathered to celebrate Easter were the deliberate target of vicious attacks."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described the attacks as "an assault on all of humanity. On behalf of the Turkish people, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of #SriLanka, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."
I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in #SriLanka. This is an assault on all of humanity.
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) April 21, 2019
On behalf of the Turkish people, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of #SriLanka, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
Tweeting in French, President Emmanuel Macron joined in condemning the bombings while offering solidarity with the Sri Lankan people.
Profonde tristesse après les attaques terroristes contre des églises et des hôtels au Sri Lanka. Nous condamnons fermement ces actes odieux. Toute notre solidarité avec le peuple sri lankais et nos pensées pour tous les proches des victimes en ce jour de Pâques.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 21, 2019
Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, added his voice to the morning messages of goodwill.
"A tragic Easter in Sri Lanka," he tweeted. "My thoughts are with the families of those killed in the attacks on churches and hotels; and those still fighting for their lives."
A tragic Easter in Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the families of those killed in the attacks on churches and hotels; and those still fighting for their lives.
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) April 21, 2019
President Jean-Claude Juncker of the European Commission wrote: "It was with horror and sadness that I heard of the bombings in #SriLanka costing the lives of so many people. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who had gathered to worship peacefully or come to visit this beautiful country. We stand ready to support."
It was with horror and sadness that I heard of the bombings in #SriLanka costing the lives of so many people. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who had gathered to worship peacefully or come to visit this beautiful country. We stand ready to support.
— Jean-Claude Juncker (@JunckerEU) April 21, 2019
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipilä said he was "Saddened by the horrific attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. We follow the situation closely. My thoughts are with the wounded and the families and friends of the victims. We firmly condemn these cowardly acts."
Saddened by the horrific attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. We follow the situation closely. My thoughts are with the wounded and the families and friends of the victims. We firmly condemn these cowardly acts.
— Juha Sipilä (@juhasipila) April 21, 2019
