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Queen Elizabeth II Comforts the City of Manchester After Horrific Terrorist Attack
Just hours after the Manchester terror attack left more than 20 people dead at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, May 22, Queen Elizabeth herself released a statement condemning the senseless act.
“The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert,” read the statement, titled “A Message from Her Majesty The Queen to the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.”
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“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 continued.
The Queen visiting a Manchester bombing survivor on May 25. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
“I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care. 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,” she said.
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At around 10:30 p.m., just as concert goers were filing out of the Manchester Arena after the pop star’s performance — which took place at the largest indoor venue in Europe — a male attacker set off a homemade device and died after the bomb went off, The Telegraph reported. ISIS has since claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack.
Even though the male seemingly acted alone, local officials are still investigating whether he was part of a larger group of terrorists. So far, police have arrested a 23-year-old man who may have been connected to the attacks on Monday evening.
The death toll is currently at 22, and among the dead are 18-year-old college student Georgina Callander who idolized the pop star and eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos. There are 59 other victims who are currently injured and are being treated at local hospitals across the city, and 12 of them are minors.
