The attack at Manchester Arena tonight during an Ariana Grande concert has shaken the world, with hundreds of thousands of people weighing in and commenting on the devastating attack. The US Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on the incident, saying it is “closely monitoring the situation at Manchester Arena” and that there could be “increased security” in public places and music events in the US.
Greater Manchester chief constable Ian Hopkins issued a statement as well, reiterating known facts and trying to reestablish a sense of security, as much as is possible at a time like this.
Read both statements in full below.
Greater Manchester chief constable Ian Hopkins:
I can confirm the details of events tonight that we currently know. At around 10.33pm last night we received reports of an explosion at the Manchester Arena in the city centre. It was at the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert.
Currently we have 19 people confirmed to have died and around 50 people injured.
The injured are being treated at six hospitals across Greater Manchester. My thoughts are with all those who have been affected and we are doing all we can to support them.
Officers from GMP and emergency services are working at the scene and are supporting those affected. We are coordinating the response from GMP headquarters.
An emergency number is available for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area. It is 0161 856 9400.
We are currently treating this as a terrorist incident until we know otherwise. We are working closely with the national counter-terrorism policing network and UK intelligence partners.
This is clearly a concerning time for people but we are doing all we can, working with local and national agencies to support those affected and gather information about what has happened tonight. As you will understand, we are still receiving information and updates, so will provide more details when we have a clearer picture.
I want to thank people for their support and would ask them to remain vigilant and if they have any concerns report them in confidence to us on the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789321.
It is important people avoid the area so that we can effectively deal with the incident.
US Dept Of Homeland Security:
We are working with our foreign counterparts to obtain additional information about the cause of the reported explosion as well as the extent of injuries and fatalities.
US citizens in the area should heed direction from local authorities and maintain security awareness. We encourage any affected US citizens who need assistance to contact the US embassy in London and follow department of state guidance.
At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific credible threat involving music venues in the United States. However, the public may experience increased security in and around public places and events as officials take additional precautions.
We stand ready to assist our friends and allies in the UK in all ways necessary as they investigate and recover from this incident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this incident.
Ariana Grande has also spoken out for the first time since the incident.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/866849021519966208
That’s pretty much how we’re all feeling right now, I think.
via The Guardian
