World leaders express horror at attack; sympathy for France
NICE, France—World leaders are expressing dismay, sadness and solidarity with France over the attack carried out by a man who drove truck into crowds of people celebrating France’s national day in Nice, killing at least 84 people:
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UNITED STATES
President Barack Obama condemned what “appears to be a horrific terrorist attack” in Nice.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and other loved ones of those killed,” he said.
Noting that the attack occurred on Bastille Day, the French national holiday, Obama praised “the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world.”
Secretary of State John Kerry called it a “horrendous attack in Nice. ... I was proud to stand alongside French leaders earlier today at Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, and the United States will continue to stand firmly with the French people during this time of tragedy.”
Both presidential candidates also condemned the attacks, with Republican Donald Trump declaring “this is war” and Democrat Hillary Clinton vowing “we will not be intimidated.”
Clinton said “every American stands in strong solidarity with the people of France, and we say with one voice: We will not be intimidated. We will never allow terrorists to undermine the egalitarian and democratic values that underpin our very way of life.”
Trump, who postponed plans to announce his vice presidential pick because of the attack, said “this is war. If you look at it, this is war coming from all different parts.”
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BRITAIN
British Prime Minister Theresa May is calling for nations to “redouble” efforts to defeat violent extremists following the attack in Nice. She called the attack “horrifying” and said Britain will stand with France in its time of mourning.
“We must redouble our efforts to defeat these brutal murderers who want to destroy our way of life,” the new prime minister said Friday.
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GERMANY
Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged solidarity with France in the aftermath of the attack, saying “Germany stands at France’s side in the fight against terrorism.”
Speaking on the sidelines of a summit in Mongolia, Merkel added: “I am completely convinced that we will win this fight despite all difficulties.”
