PM Modi, World Condemn Terror Attack in US
NEW DELHI, Jan 2: International condemnation poured in for the attack on a crowd of New Year’s Eve revellers in New Orleans in the United States which killed at least 15 people and wounded dozens more.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condemned the terror attack and expressed condolences to the families of victims. “We strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack in New Orleans. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. May they find strength and solace as they heal from this tragedy,” Mr Modi said on X.
“A driver wreaked carnage on New Orleans’ famed French Quarter early on New Year’s Day, as he rammed a pickup truck into a crowd before being shot to death by police,” authorities said. More than 30 people were injured as Wednesday’s attack turned festive Bourbon Street in the USA into macabre mayhem.
The FBI said it is investigating the attack was an act of terrorism and it did not believe the driver acted alone. “An Islamic State group flag was found on the vehicle’s trailer hitch,” it said.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “strongly condemns” the attack and “extends his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives”, according to a statement from his spokesperson. “He also wishes a swift recovery to those persons injured.”
“New Orleans, so dear to the hearts of the French, has been struck by terrorism,” French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, posting in both French and English. New Orleans was initially founded by colonists from France and the attack took place in the Louisiana city’s famed French Quarter. “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the injured, as well as with the American people, whose sorrow we share,” Macron said.
“The shockingly violent attack in New Orleans is horrific,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on X. “My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the emergency responders and the people of the United States at this tragic time.”
“We are shocked by this violent attack,” Beijing’s foreign affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters. “China always opposes any violent and terrorist acts targeting civilians.” “We mourn the victims, and express our sympathy to their families and those injured.”
“Horrified by the attack in New Orleans, US, which has claimed innocent lives and left many injured,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X. “We trust that those responsible for this terrible act will be brought to justice. Violence, terrorism, and any threats to human life have no place in our world and must not be tolerated. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims… Ukraine stands with the American people and denounces violence.”
“I am deeply saddened by the deliberate attack on those celebrating New Year’s in New Orleans,” the European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, posted on X. “There is no excuse for such violence… We stand in full solidarity with the victims and their families during this tragic time.”
“This is terrible news from New Orleans,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a post on X. “People celebrating happily are torn from their lives or injured by senseless hatred. We grieve with the families and friends of the victims and wish all those injured a quick recovery.”
“Deeply saddened by the terrorist attack in New Orleans,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims. Wishing a swift recovery to the two injured Israeli citizens and all the wounded… Terror has no place in our world.”
Saudi Arabia “condemns and denounces” the attack, its foreign ministry said in a statement on X.
“We are deeply saddened by the attack that took place in New Orleans, USA,” Turkey’s foreign ministry said in a statement. “We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives… We hope that the motive for the attack will be revealed as soon as possible and that those who might be responsible will be held accountable before justice.”
(Manas Dasgupta)
