Several U.S. citizens were killed by the bombs that ripped through churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, according to the State Department.
The attacks, some of which appear to be suicide bombings, targeted three luxury hotels and three churches just outside of Sri Lanka’s capital. The explosions mark the worst violence in the country since the end of its protracted civil war a decade ago.
Sri Lankan police have raised the death toll to at least 207, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement Sunday that “several” U.S. citizens were among those killed in the attacks.
“The U.S. embassy is working tirelessly to provide all possible assistance to the American citizens affected by the attacks and their families,” Pompeo said. “These vile attacks are a stark reminder of why the United States remains resolved in our fight to defeat terrorism.”
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the U.S. “condemns in the strongest terms the outrageous terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka that have claimed so many precious lives on this Easter Sunday.”
“We stand with the Sri Lankan government and people as they bring to justice the perpetrators of these despicable and senseless acts,” she said.
Before the death toll rose to above 200, President Trump tweeted support for Sri Lanka after the attacks. “138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels,” he said. “The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!”
138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2019
Although no perpetrator has been named, Sri Lanka’s minority Christian population was targeted on the most sacred day of the year for Christians. The Christian population in Sri Lanka is a little more than 7% of the population, the vast majority of whom are Catholic.
Three police officers were killed by two explosions when they raided a house following the attacks seeking to question people inside about the bombings, according to police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara.
Among the high-profile figures to speak out about the attacks was former President Barack Obama. “The attacks on tourists and Easter worshippers in Sri Lanka are an attack on humanity. On a day devoted to love, redemption, and renewal, we pray for the victims and stand with the people of Sri Lanka,” he tweeted.
The attacks on tourists and Easter worshippers in Sri Lanka are an attack on humanity. On a day devoted to love, redemption, and renewal, we pray for the victims and stand with the people of Sri Lanka.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 21, 2019
As night falls in Sri Lanka, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said all evening Easter services have been canceled for churches across the country.
