‘It is only getting worse’: US politicians react to Nice attack
Thursday’s attack on Nice, France left dozens of people dead and many injured. While information about the attack is still being pieced together, US politicians have already taken time to pay their respects, share messages and politicize the tragedy.
The response to the Bastille Day attack on Nice, France that left at least 84 dead was swift and thorough across social media. Many US officials expressed their thoughts on Twitter.
President Barack Obama released a statement on Twitter calling France “our oldest ally,” adding, “I have directed my team to be in touch with French officials, and we have offered any assistance that they may need to investigate this attack and bring those responsible to justice.”
.@POTUS on the attack in Nice, France: pic.twitter.com/CrbChxZs04
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 14, 2016
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's official response to the attack was the first to include implications for real policy changes, as opposed to proposals or calls for them.
"The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management Watch Center will be on heightened alert, monitoring world events. DHSES regional staff have all been notified to maintain a heightened state of awareness at mass gathering events. The New York State Police and the Joint Task Force Empire Shield have deployed additional troops in the New York metropolitan region," Cuomo said in a statement.
Horrified by the rampage in Nice. NY stands with France in the face of yet another senseless act of terror.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) July 14, 2016
Presumptive Democrat nominee Hillary Clinton told told CNN's Anderson Cooper, "It reminds us very viviidly and tragically that we have to stand with our allies and not abandon them," she going on to say NATO needed to be strengthened. Clinton also added that she proposes "launching an intelligence surge" to better share information with foreign agencies to prevent homegrown and imported terrorism.
Presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump responded to the event by reminding his audience: “It is only getting worse.”
Another horrific attack, this time in Nice, France. Many dead and injured. When will we learn? It is only getting worse.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 14, 2016
Trump also called into Fox News to share more of his thoughts.
.@realDonaldTrump: "We're living in a whole different world where there's no respect for law and order." #NiceFrancepic.twitter.com/NEMFu5VZ7b
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 14, 2016
Indiana Governor Mike Pence (R), rumored to be the vice presidential choice of Trump, tweeted, "Today’s terrorist attack in France is a horrific reminder of the threat facing Western civilization. This must end."
Today’s terrorist attack in France is a horrific reminder of the threat facing Western civilization. This must end.
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) July 15, 2016
Texas State Senator Don Huffines placed the blame for the attacks on “Radical Islam,” calling it a “deadly disease.”
Radical Islam claims even more lives in France. We must do everything to keep this deadly disease from reaching our shores.
— Don Huffines (@DonHuffines) July 14, 2016
He was not the only one to place blame on extremist Islam. Congressman Sean Maloney (D-New York) tweeted, “Have to destroy ISIS.”
Devastated to hear of another terrorist attack on France. Have to destroy ISIS & eliminate threat of radical Islamic terror for good.
— Sean Patrick Maloney (@RepSeanMaloney) July 15, 2016
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner expressed his condolences for Houston’s sister city.
Houston mourns for the victims of the Bastille Day tragedy in our Sister City of #Nice, #France.@SisterCitiesInt@sujiseam#BastilleDay
— InternationalHouston (@HoustonMOTIA) July 14, 2016
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California) and Rep. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri) offered some prudent assistance to those with loved ones in Nice, sharing US embassy and consulate phone numbers.
U.S. Embassy - Paris
— Lacy Clay MO1st (@LacyClayMO1) July 15, 2016
Telephone
+(33)(1) 43-12-22-22
U.S. State Dept Emergency Info:
1-888-407-4747#NiceAttackpic.twitter.com/m6RJH8PXhZ
For Americans in #Nice or concerned relatives, U.S. Consulate in Marseille: (33) 01-43-12-48-85, CitizeninfoMarseille@state.gov #BastilleDay
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) July 14, 2016
Many other officials expressed the same thoughts and prayers.
I send my thoughts and prayers to Nice, France right now as we're learning details on this tragic attack. https://t.co/G7bGjmvlDY
— John Ratcliffe (@RepRatcliffe) July 14, 2016
Praying for #France right now. Praying for peace, for safety, for resolve, for courage, for strength to end this evil forever. #PrayForNice
— Rep. Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyPA) July 15, 2016
Horrible news from Nice, as #BastilleDay attack kills over 70. We stand united with France against terror, send love to families/community
— Kyrsten Sinema (@RepSinema) July 14, 2016
I'm absolutely horrified by the tragedy that just occurred in France. My heart breaks for the victims and their families.
— Rep. Cheri Bustos (@RepCheri) July 15, 2016
America stands united with France against terror. Praying for the victims in #Nice, their loved ones, and the Nation of France.
— Rep. David Valadao (@RepDavidValadao) July 15, 2016
Awful news out of Nice on Bastille Day. Our hearts are with the victims' families and as always, we stand with the people of France tonight.
— Rep. Scott Peters (@RepScottPeters) July 14, 2016
I'm deeply saddened by the attack in Nice, France. Jenn and I are praying for the people of France. #PrayForNicehttps://t.co/El13xjUXxu
— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) July 14, 2016
Hard to wrap my head around another terrorist attack, again in France. Praying for victims, friends, families in Nice.
— Mike Bishop (@RepMikeBishop) July 15, 2016
Another terror attack in France. Sickened by it. It is one more act of terrorism taking more innocent lives. It needs to stop. #PrayForNice
— Dave Joyce (@RepDaveJoyce) July 15, 2016
Terrible & disturbing news from France. Our hearts go out to everyone affected
— Rep. Bruce Poliquin (@RepPoliquin) July 15, 2016
As we wait for more details of this attack, please #PrayforNicepic.twitter.com/Is8TKoPegO
— Rep. Will Hurd (@HurdOnTheHill) July 14, 2016
Too much tragedy in the world. Jan and I pray for those affected by the terror attack in France. So sad. So senseless. #NiceFrance
— Office of the Lt Gov (@LtGovTX) July 14, 2016
Deeply saddened by the horrific attack in #France this #BastilleDay. My prayers are with the victims and their families as we learn more.
— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) July 14, 2016
