Details are continuing to develop surrounding the Monday night terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.
New York Times reports that the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the bombing, which reportedly erupted at the Manchester Arena around 10:30 p.m. when concertgoers were leaving the venue after Grande performed her final song. The explosion left attendees – many of them teenagers, which is Grande’s demographic – screaming and stampeding to escape the venue.
The death toll of the attack has risen to 22, making it the deadliest terrorist attack in Britain since 2005. UPDATE Another 120 people have been hospitalized with injuries.
The assailant, identified as 22-year-old man Salman Abedi, died in the assault. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that they have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the attack. They have also executed warrants in Whalley Range and in Fallowfield, where they say a controlled explosion took place, as part of the investigation.
U.S. President Donald Trump made a statement about the attack in Bethlehem, where he was as part of an overseas trip.
“So many young, beautiful, innocent people living and enjoying their lives, murdered by evil losers. I won’t call them monsters because they would like that term, they would think that is a great name,” Trump said. He later added, “Horrific, horrific injuries. Terrible. Dozens of innocent people. Beautiful young children, savagely murdered in a heinous attack upon humanity.”
TMZ reports that Ariana Grande has suspended her world tour in wake of the attack. In the hours after the attack, she tweeted her condolences: “broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words.”
Live Nation, the promotion company for the concert, has also released a statement: “We are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy and our hearts and thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating incident.
People, leaders and celebrities from around the world have sent their condolences to the victims and families of the attack.
“The explosion coincided with the conclusion of a pop concert which was attended by many young families and groups of children,” said Britain Prime Minister Theresa May. “This attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenseless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.”