Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday expressed her “deepest sympathy” to the victims of the deadly terrorist attack in Manchester, England, on Monday.
“I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured,” the queen said in a statement.
The queen thanked the members of emergency services “who have responded with such professionalism and care.” She added, “And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity.” The terrorist attack killed 22 people and injured hundreds after a bomb blast at an Ariana Grande concert.
The Islamic State claimed in a statement, “a soldier of the Khilafah managed to place explosive devices in the midst of the gatherings of the Crusaders in the British city of Manchester.”
The Greater Manchester Police said the attacker was carrying an improvised explosive device. The attacker died on the scene.
“The explosive devices were detonated in the shameless concert arena,” the ISIS statement said. “And what comes next will be more severe on the worshipers of the Cross and their allies.”
British Prime Minister Theresa May said Tuesday morning, “At terrible moments like these, it is customary for leaders, politicians and others to condemn the perpetrators and declare that the terrorists will not win. But the fact that we have been here before, and the fact that we need to say this again does not make it any less true.
“Today, let us remember those who died, and let us celebrate those who helped, safe in the knowledge that the terrorist will never win, and our values, our country and our way of life will always prevail.”
