Many Western politicians and government officials shared messages of condolences on Friday in the aftermath of a deadly attack against a Kurdish Cultural Centre in the French capital of Paris.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the victims of the attack at the Kurdish cultural centre in Paris,” said Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, referring to one woman and two men murdered in Friday’s attack. “My thoughts are with the members of the Kurdish community and people of France on this sad day,” he added.
“A terrible act that today has shaken #Paris and France. My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” said German chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom joined those offering their condolences.
“Tragic news about the shooting in Paris today. My thoughts are with the victims and their families – the UK is ready to support in whatever way we can,” said James Cleverly on Twitter.
“Deeply tragic and distressing news,” said Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London. “My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Paris, French Londoners and everyone affected by this tragedy,” he added.
Hadja Lahbib, the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, called the attack a heinous act. “All my thoughts are with the victims of this shooting in Paris, which, according to the French authorities, is marked by racism. Sadness and anger at these heinous acts,” she said.
“My thoughts are with the victims of the shooting at a Kurdish cultural centre in Paris. My condolences to their families and friends, and the whole Kurdish community,” wrote Helena Dalli, the EU Commissioner for Equality. “Everyone has the right to be safe in their daily life and live free from hatred,” she added.