World reacts to horrific explosion in UK

(Baonghean.vn) - After an explosion occurred at a music concert at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, Northwest England, killing at least 19 people, authorities from several countries have given their first reactions to this suspected terrorist attack.

Speaking at a press conference on May 23, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said: “If this is a terrorist act, the Japanese government will not tolerate such an act and firmly condemns the incident.” The Japanese government also expressed solidarity with the British people in this time of sorrow.

The Department of Homeland Security said it would closely monitor the situation in Manchester. The statement said there was no information indicating a specific threat to music events in the United States, but added that security could be increased inside and outside public venues as authorities take additional precautions.

British Prime Minister Theresa May convened a meeting of the country's top security committee at 9am on May 23 local time (15:00 Vietnam time) after the explosion. The source added that Prime Minister May's Conservative Party will postpone its election campaign for the House of Commons election scheduled for June 8.

British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called it a "horrific incident in Manchester", and expressed sympathy for the victims' families and encouraged rescue workers.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed solidarity with Manchester. “London stands with Manchester. Our thoughts are with those killed and injured tonight, and our brave first responders.”

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident, which resulted in the loss of many innocent lives, and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The ministry also said that to date, it has not received any information that any Singaporean citizens in the UK were directly affected or injured in the incident.

On Twitter, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also strongly condemned the incident and expressed his condolences to the families of the unfortunate victims in the tragedy.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on his Twitter account: “Canadians are shocked to learn of the terrible attack in Manchester tonight. Please keep the victims and their families in your thoughts.”

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted: “The American people stand with the people of Manchester, England, after tonight’s apparent terrorist attack.”

In addition, artists and players also quickly reacted to the explosion at singer Ariana Grande's concert in Manchester.

Famous MC Ryan Seacrest“Shocked by the news from the UK… my thoughts are with the fans and families of the victims at Ariana’s Manchester concert. How awful,” he wrote on Twitter.

Rascal Flatts Band“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ariana Grande and all her fans tonight in Manchester, UK.”

British singer Harry Stylessaid he was “heartbroken about what happened in Manchester tonight.” Niall Horan, another member of the band One Direction, described the event as “absolutely terrible.”

Player Vincent KompanyManchester City's David Silva sent his "deepest condolences" to the families of the victims: "My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. It's a sad day for the great city of Manchester," he wrote on Twitter, tagging #Unity.

Peace

(Synthetic)