Reactions to the 2017 Barcelona attack
The reactions to the 2017 Barcelona attack include the responses by political and religious leaders, media and the general public.
Domestic
The Spanish royal family, issued a strongly-worded statement: "They are assassins, criminals who won't terrorise us. All of Spain is Barcelona."
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said he was in contact with authorities, and the priority was to attend to the injured.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Catalonia Carme Forcadell said her heart "shrunk" with the news from Barcelona. She urged her followers to stay calm and follow the direction of the Catalonian police force.
The Islamic Commission of Spain condemned the attack.
International
Supranational bodies
*: Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland said "Shocked and appalled by scenes of terror in Barcelona. Our thoughts and solidarity are with the Spanish people and all the victims."
*: President of the EU Commission Jean-Claude Juncker condemned the "cowardly" attack in Barcelona and pledged a Europe-wide response to the atrocity and pledged to put the EU's its resources at the disposal of Barcelona’s emergency and security services following the outrage, which he said had "deliberately targeted those enjoying life and sharing time with family and friends." And the President of the European Council Donald Tusk also criticised the “cowardly attack on innocents” and that "All of Europe stands with Barcelona". European Parliament President Antonio Tajani wrote: "My heart goes out to the victims of the attack in #Barcelona and their families. Full support to authorities. EU united in defense of peace."
*: Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said "I condemn the terrible attack in Barcelona. My thoughts are with all those affected. We stand united in the fight against terrorism."
States
*: Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia had stated "Resolute with Spain in the fight to defeat terrorism we condemn the terrorist attack in Barcelona. Our love & prayers are with the victims."
*: President Alexander Van der Bellen showed his preoccupation on Twitter: "The bit of news about Barcelona trembled and filled the night with a deep sorrow".
*: Prime Minister Charles Michel tweeted, "Our thoughts are with the victims and families of #Barcelona. No barbaric act will undermine the power and resilience of our ally."
*: On Twitter; Prime Minister Boyko Borissov had said "#Bulgaria condemns the terrorist attack in #Barcelona. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the people of #Spain."
*: "Canada condemns today's terror attack in Barcelona - our hearts, sympathies & support are with the victims and their families," tweeted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Leader of the Official Opposition Andrew Scheer tweeted "terrible scene in Barcelona. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. We stand together condemning these horrific acts of terrorism." Also NDP Leader Tom Mulcair tweeted "terrible news. We stand with Spain and all those impacted by this terror attack."
*: President Xi Jinping send condolences to the king Felipe VI, while the Premier Li Keqiang did the same to his Spanish counterpart, Mariano Rajoy.
*: President Nicos Anastasiades offered his condolences "Condemning in the strongest terms the heinous terrorism act in Barcelona. My sincere condolences to the government & people of Spain."
*: Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said "Shocked to learn about another evil attack in Europe. My thoughts are with the victims in Barcelona and their loved ones."
*: In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry condemned the terrorist attack and offered Egypt's condolences for the families of the victims. It also expressed solidarity with the Spanish government and the people of Spain against terrorism.
*: President Kersti Kaljulaid said "I offer my condolences to everyone affected by the tragedy in #Barcelona - an important symbol of freedom. I know they will persevere."
*: "Terrorists attack Europe again," wrote President Sauli Niinistö on Twitter and added "I'm following the situation in Barcelona with the utmost gravity. Strength to the victims, their loved ones and to first responders." Prime Minister Juha Sipilä also tweeted, "#Barcelona My thoughts are with the victims and their families," and "Strongly condemning terror in all forms."
*: President Emmanuel Macron voiced solidarity with Spain. "We remain united and determined," Macron said on Twitter, describing it as a "tragic attack" and saying his thoughts were with the victims. Also the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo tweeted: “Sadness and outrage at the terrorist act that has just occurred in #Barcelona. All my support for the victims and their relatives."
*: Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said "In these difficult moments all our thoughts and our solidarity are with the spanish people. We express our support to the families of the victims.
*: Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the "revolting attack" in Barcelona. "We are thinking with profound sadness of the victims of the revolting attack in Barcelona - with solidarity and friendship alongside the Spanish people."
*: Pope Francis spokesman said in a statement "The Pope prays for the victims of this attack and wishes to express his closeness to all the Spanish people, especially the wounded and families of the victims."
*: Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said he was “appalled” by the events unfolding in Barcelona and said "on behalf of the Irish government, I wish to convey our condolences and solidarity with the people of Spain at this time."
*: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said "Israel strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Barcelona. On behalf of the Israeli people, I send condolences to the families of those who were killed & wishes for a quick recovery to the injured. This evening we again saw that terror strikes everywhere; the civilized world must fight it together in order to defeat it." The Ministry of Foreign Affair issued the following statement: "Saddened & shocked by terrible scenes from Barcelona, Israel stands by the people of Barcelona at this difficult time. Terror will never prevail."
*: Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said "Barcelona gorgeous and friendly is under attack Italy close to local and Spanish authorities. Thoughts addressed to people affected."
*: Foreign Minister said in a statement, "To all those that have been sacrificed and to their families, I’d like to express my deepfelt condolences. And to those that have been injured, I should also like to express my sympathy. Under no reason can terrorism be condoned. We absolutely condemn this. And at this very difficult time, I’d like to express our solidarity to Spain."
*: Prime Minister Andrew Holness sent a message of support on Twitter, "To the people of Barcelona and the Spanish people, Jamaica stands with you in this time of great tragedy. We reject terror @EmbSpainJamaica"
*: The King of Jordan, Abdullah II, condemned the terror attack and expressed his "utter denunciation of this criminal, cowardly act, stressing that Jordan stands by Spain under these difficult circumstances and reasserts its commitment to supporting international efforts to fight terrorism."
*: Prime Minister Xavier Bettel tweeted, "My most sincere condolences to the victims of #Barcelona and their families. We will always stand together against terrorism!"
*: President Hashim Thaçi expressed "Shocked by the disturbing attack in #Barcelona. Our thoughts are with families of victims. Terror won't prevail in #Spain or anywhere."
*: President Enrique Peña Nieto tweeted, "Mexico strongly condemns the attack that took place in Barcelona. My solidarity with the people and government of Spain"
*: The Minister of State Serge Telle expressed his and the Government's support to the Spanish Prime Minister after yesterday's attacks.
*: Prime Minister Bill English had expressed his thoughts to Barcelona, "My thoughts are with the families of those killed following the horrendous attack in Barcelona."
*: Prime Minister Mark Rutte issued a statement that read the it was a "cowardly attack against innocent people" and called it a "black day at a place where many people around the world gathered."
*: Prime Minister Joseph Muscat simply said in a tweet "We stand with #Barcelona -JM"
*: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi condemned the attack, saying "so long as the terrorists underestimate the spirit of the societies they seek to undermine, they will lose".
*: President Andrzej Duda wrote: "Tragic news from Barcelona. Again innocent people killed and wounded in the assassination. Grief and compassion for the injured and their loved ones."
*: Prime Minister Antonio Costa send a message to king Felipe VI and President Mariano Rajoy, where he expressed the solidarity of the Portuguese people and condemned the attack.
*: President Klaus Iohannis condemned the terror attack in Barcelona - "I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Barcelona. My condolences to the families of the victims. Solidarity with Spain," he tweeted.
*: President of the Republic of China Tsai Ing-wen said "I am saddened to hear of the terror attack in Barcelona. Taiwan stands together with Spain in this difficult time.
*: Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström said on Twitter "I condemn in the strongest terms this act of terror. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. #barcelona"
*: President Vladimir Putin called for the world to unite in an "uncompromising battle against the forces of terror, we decisively condemn this cruel and cynical crime against civilians," Putin wrote in a telegram of condolences to King Felipe VI.
*: Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said his nation strongly condemned the "heinous terrorist attack".
*: Prime Minister Theresa May said she is "sickened by the senseless loss of life" and that her thoughts are with the victims of the "terrible attack" in Barcelona. She also said "the UK stands with Spain against the evil of terrorism" and offered the Spanish authorities her full support. Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn has reacted to "terrible" reports of a terror attack in Barcelona and added that his "thoughts are with those killed and injured, and the emergency services working to save lives". Mayor of London Sadiq Khan branded the attack "barbaric." Also, the British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, said "We are in contact with the authorities and seeking further information following the incident in Barcelona." First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon had said "my thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific and mindless attack in Barcelona".
** Chief Minister Fabian Picardo gave his full support and solidarity on Twitter, saying "Tomorrow our flags will fly at half mast & we will hold a minute silence at midday in solidarity & memory of victims of #AtentadoBarcelona "
**: The Chief Minister Howard Quayle tweeted shortly after news of the attack, "Shocked and saddened by attacks in #Barcelona and thoughts of Isle of Man are with all those affected."
*: President Donald Trump condemned the attack in writing: "The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough and strong, we love you!" Secretary of State Rex Tillerson expressed condolences for the victims and said the United States was monitoring the situation and offering assistance to local authorities. He urged Americans in Barcelona to let loved ones know whether they were safe. Mayor of New York Bill DeBlasio also said that his thoughts are with the people of Barcelona. CAIR condemned the attack while also condemning Donald Trump's reaction to the attack with false attributions to a story about John J. Pershing. Hezbollah issued a statement denouncing the attack. It said, "Targeting and killing of innocent civilians is part of a satanic plan carried out by these (IS) terrorists, whose goal is to distort the meaning of jihad and to tarnish the image of the true Islamic religion by claiming belonging to it."
Sports
FC Barcelona said it was "deeply saddened by the attack," while a number of football players were in solidarity to the victims, including Iker Casillas, Lucas Digne and Sergi Roberto.
On 17 August 2017, FC Barcelona Handbol wore black arm bands for terror victims versus during a handball exbition game in Bucharest, Romania.
Individuals
Rafael Nadal wrote: "Shattered by what has happened in Barcelona! All my support for the families affected and the city." Nadal's uncle Miguel Angel Nadal used to play for FC Barcelona. Jennifer Lopez said she was sending "much love and peace to the great city of Barcelona and all its beautiful people." Cristiano Ronaldo said he was "dismayed by the news arriving from Barcelona" and gave his "full support and solidarity with the family and friends of the victims." CEO of Apple Inc. Tim Cook wrote: "Tragic and senseless attacks in Barcelona. Our thoughts today are with all our friends and colleagues in that great city."
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has expressed his thoughts on Twitter: "Standing with and grieving for the people of Barcelona in the wake of this despicable terror attack." Barack Obama wrote: "Michelle and I are thinking of the victims and their families in Barcelona. Americans will always stand with our Spanish friends. Un abrazo." And former British Prime Minster David Cameron stated "Worrying scenes in Barcelona. My thoughts are with everyone affected and emergency services assisting."
Domestic
The Spanish royal family, issued a strongly-worded statement: "They are assassins, criminals who won't terrorise us. All of Spain is Barcelona."
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said he was in contact with authorities, and the priority was to attend to the injured.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Catalonia Carme Forcadell said her heart "shrunk" with the news from Barcelona. She urged her followers to stay calm and follow the direction of the Catalonian police force.
The Islamic Commission of Spain condemned the attack.
International
Supranational bodies
*: Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland said "Shocked and appalled by scenes of terror in Barcelona. Our thoughts and solidarity are with the Spanish people and all the victims."
*: President of the EU Commission Jean-Claude Juncker condemned the "cowardly" attack in Barcelona and pledged a Europe-wide response to the atrocity and pledged to put the EU's its resources at the disposal of Barcelona’s emergency and security services following the outrage, which he said had "deliberately targeted those enjoying life and sharing time with family and friends." And the President of the European Council Donald Tusk also criticised the “cowardly attack on innocents” and that "All of Europe stands with Barcelona". European Parliament President Antonio Tajani wrote: "My heart goes out to the victims of the attack in #Barcelona and their families. Full support to authorities. EU united in defense of peace."
*: Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said "I condemn the terrible attack in Barcelona. My thoughts are with all those affected. We stand united in the fight against terrorism."
States
*: Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia had stated "Resolute with Spain in the fight to defeat terrorism we condemn the terrorist attack in Barcelona. Our love & prayers are with the victims."
*: President Alexander Van der Bellen showed his preoccupation on Twitter: "The bit of news about Barcelona trembled and filled the night with a deep sorrow".
*: Prime Minister Charles Michel tweeted, "Our thoughts are with the victims and families of #Barcelona. No barbaric act will undermine the power and resilience of our ally."
*: On Twitter; Prime Minister Boyko Borissov had said "#Bulgaria condemns the terrorist attack in #Barcelona. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the people of #Spain."
*: "Canada condemns today's terror attack in Barcelona - our hearts, sympathies & support are with the victims and their families," tweeted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Leader of the Official Opposition Andrew Scheer tweeted "terrible scene in Barcelona. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. We stand together condemning these horrific acts of terrorism." Also NDP Leader Tom Mulcair tweeted "terrible news. We stand with Spain and all those impacted by this terror attack."
*: President Xi Jinping send condolences to the king Felipe VI, while the Premier Li Keqiang did the same to his Spanish counterpart, Mariano Rajoy.
*: President Nicos Anastasiades offered his condolences "Condemning in the strongest terms the heinous terrorism act in Barcelona. My sincere condolences to the government & people of Spain."
*: Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said "Shocked to learn about another evil attack in Europe. My thoughts are with the victims in Barcelona and their loved ones."
*: In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry condemned the terrorist attack and offered Egypt's condolences for the families of the victims. It also expressed solidarity with the Spanish government and the people of Spain against terrorism.
*: President Kersti Kaljulaid said "I offer my condolences to everyone affected by the tragedy in #Barcelona - an important symbol of freedom. I know they will persevere."
*: "Terrorists attack Europe again," wrote President Sauli Niinistö on Twitter and added "I'm following the situation in Barcelona with the utmost gravity. Strength to the victims, their loved ones and to first responders." Prime Minister Juha Sipilä also tweeted, "#Barcelona My thoughts are with the victims and their families," and "Strongly condemning terror in all forms."
*: President Emmanuel Macron voiced solidarity with Spain. "We remain united and determined," Macron said on Twitter, describing it as a "tragic attack" and saying his thoughts were with the victims. Also the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo tweeted: “Sadness and outrage at the terrorist act that has just occurred in #Barcelona. All my support for the victims and their relatives."
*: Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said "In these difficult moments all our thoughts and our solidarity are with the spanish people. We express our support to the families of the victims.
*: Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the "revolting attack" in Barcelona. "We are thinking with profound sadness of the victims of the revolting attack in Barcelona - with solidarity and friendship alongside the Spanish people."
*: Pope Francis spokesman said in a statement "The Pope prays for the victims of this attack and wishes to express his closeness to all the Spanish people, especially the wounded and families of the victims."
*: Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said he was “appalled” by the events unfolding in Barcelona and said "on behalf of the Irish government, I wish to convey our condolences and solidarity with the people of Spain at this time."
*: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said "Israel strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Barcelona. On behalf of the Israeli people, I send condolences to the families of those who were killed & wishes for a quick recovery to the injured. This evening we again saw that terror strikes everywhere; the civilized world must fight it together in order to defeat it." The Ministry of Foreign Affair issued the following statement: "Saddened & shocked by terrible scenes from Barcelona, Israel stands by the people of Barcelona at this difficult time. Terror will never prevail."
*: Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said "Barcelona gorgeous and friendly is under attack Italy close to local and Spanish authorities. Thoughts addressed to people affected."
*: Foreign Minister said in a statement, "To all those that have been sacrificed and to their families, I’d like to express my deepfelt condolences. And to those that have been injured, I should also like to express my sympathy. Under no reason can terrorism be condoned. We absolutely condemn this. And at this very difficult time, I’d like to express our solidarity to Spain."
*: Prime Minister Andrew Holness sent a message of support on Twitter, "To the people of Barcelona and the Spanish people, Jamaica stands with you in this time of great tragedy. We reject terror @EmbSpainJamaica"
*: The King of Jordan, Abdullah II, condemned the terror attack and expressed his "utter denunciation of this criminal, cowardly act, stressing that Jordan stands by Spain under these difficult circumstances and reasserts its commitment to supporting international efforts to fight terrorism."
*: Prime Minister Xavier Bettel tweeted, "My most sincere condolences to the victims of #Barcelona and their families. We will always stand together against terrorism!"
*: President Hashim Thaçi expressed "Shocked by the disturbing attack in #Barcelona. Our thoughts are with families of victims. Terror won't prevail in #Spain or anywhere."
*: President Enrique Peña Nieto tweeted, "Mexico strongly condemns the attack that took place in Barcelona. My solidarity with the people and government of Spain"
*: The Minister of State Serge Telle expressed his and the Government's support to the Spanish Prime Minister after yesterday's attacks.
*: Prime Minister Bill English had expressed his thoughts to Barcelona, "My thoughts are with the families of those killed following the horrendous attack in Barcelona."
*: Prime Minister Mark Rutte issued a statement that read the it was a "cowardly attack against innocent people" and called it a "black day at a place where many people around the world gathered."
*: Prime Minister Joseph Muscat simply said in a tweet "We stand with #Barcelona -JM"
*: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi condemned the attack, saying "so long as the terrorists underestimate the spirit of the societies they seek to undermine, they will lose".
*: President Andrzej Duda wrote: "Tragic news from Barcelona. Again innocent people killed and wounded in the assassination. Grief and compassion for the injured and their loved ones."
*: Prime Minister Antonio Costa send a message to king Felipe VI and President Mariano Rajoy, where he expressed the solidarity of the Portuguese people and condemned the attack.
*: President Klaus Iohannis condemned the terror attack in Barcelona - "I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Barcelona. My condolences to the families of the victims. Solidarity with Spain," he tweeted.
*: President of the Republic of China Tsai Ing-wen said "I am saddened to hear of the terror attack in Barcelona. Taiwan stands together with Spain in this difficult time.
*: Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström said on Twitter "I condemn in the strongest terms this act of terror. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. #barcelona"
*: President Vladimir Putin called for the world to unite in an "uncompromising battle against the forces of terror, we decisively condemn this cruel and cynical crime against civilians," Putin wrote in a telegram of condolences to King Felipe VI.
*: Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said his nation strongly condemned the "heinous terrorist attack".
*: Prime Minister Theresa May said she is "sickened by the senseless loss of life" and that her thoughts are with the victims of the "terrible attack" in Barcelona. She also said "the UK stands with Spain against the evil of terrorism" and offered the Spanish authorities her full support. Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn has reacted to "terrible" reports of a terror attack in Barcelona and added that his "thoughts are with those killed and injured, and the emergency services working to save lives". Mayor of London Sadiq Khan branded the attack "barbaric." Also, the British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, said "We are in contact with the authorities and seeking further information following the incident in Barcelona." First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon had said "my thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific and mindless attack in Barcelona".
** Chief Minister Fabian Picardo gave his full support and solidarity on Twitter, saying "Tomorrow our flags will fly at half mast & we will hold a minute silence at midday in solidarity & memory of victims of #AtentadoBarcelona "
**: The Chief Minister Howard Quayle tweeted shortly after news of the attack, "Shocked and saddened by attacks in #Barcelona and thoughts of Isle of Man are with all those affected."
*: President Donald Trump condemned the attack in writing: "The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough and strong, we love you!" Secretary of State Rex Tillerson expressed condolences for the victims and said the United States was monitoring the situation and offering assistance to local authorities. He urged Americans in Barcelona to let loved ones know whether they were safe. Mayor of New York Bill DeBlasio also said that his thoughts are with the people of Barcelona. CAIR condemned the attack while also condemning Donald Trump's reaction to the attack with false attributions to a story about John J. Pershing. Hezbollah issued a statement denouncing the attack. It said, "Targeting and killing of innocent civilians is part of a satanic plan carried out by these (IS) terrorists, whose goal is to distort the meaning of jihad and to tarnish the image of the true Islamic religion by claiming belonging to it."
Sports
FC Barcelona said it was "deeply saddened by the attack," while a number of football players were in solidarity to the victims, including Iker Casillas, Lucas Digne and Sergi Roberto.
On 17 August 2017, FC Barcelona Handbol wore black arm bands for terror victims versus during a handball exbition game in Bucharest, Romania.
Individuals
Rafael Nadal wrote: "Shattered by what has happened in Barcelona! All my support for the families affected and the city." Nadal's uncle Miguel Angel Nadal used to play for FC Barcelona. Jennifer Lopez said she was sending "much love and peace to the great city of Barcelona and all its beautiful people." Cristiano Ronaldo said he was "dismayed by the news arriving from Barcelona" and gave his "full support and solidarity with the family and friends of the victims." CEO of Apple Inc. Tim Cook wrote: "Tragic and senseless attacks in Barcelona. Our thoughts today are with all our friends and colleagues in that great city."
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has expressed his thoughts on Twitter: "Standing with and grieving for the people of Barcelona in the wake of this despicable terror attack." Barack Obama wrote: "Michelle and I are thinking of the victims and their families in Barcelona. Americans will always stand with our Spanish friends. Un abrazo." And former British Prime Minster David Cameron stated "Worrying scenes in Barcelona. My thoughts are with everyone affected and emergency services assisting."
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