World leaders react to Quebec City mosque shooting
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will travel to Quebec City on Monday in the aftermath of a mass shooting at a mosque there that left six people dead and several others injured.
On Sunday, Trudeau was quick to react to the tragedy on Twitter.
Tonight, Canadians grieve for those killed in a cowardly attack on a mosque in Quebec City. My thoughts are with victims & their families.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 30, 2017
I've just spoken with Premier @phcouillard and am being briefed by our officials. We have offered any & all assistance needed.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 30, 2017
The prime minister also addressed the attack in the House of Commons on Monday.
Once in Quebec City, Trudeau is scheduled to attend a vigil for the victims of the Sunday night shooting. He will be accompanied by interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May’s office said she also planned to attend the vigil.
Several Canadian politicians took to social media in response to the attack.
Horrified at the news of a shooting in a mosque tonight in Québec City. We stand with our Muslim neighbours against this act of hatred.
— Tom Mulcair (@ThomasMulcair) January 30, 2017
Shocking news. We just returned from Quebec City. Praying for the victims of this unspeakable crime. Those responsible must face justice. https://t.co/KeEAs2o1IZ
— Rona Ambrose (@RonaAmbrose) January 30, 2017
Our hearts are heavy with the news out of Quebec City tonight. No one should ever fear worshiping their God in Canada.
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) January 30, 2017
Devastated to hear of murderous attack on Quebec City mosque. As Greens, we join Prime Minister in condemning attack. It is heartbreaking.
— Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) January 30, 2017
All British Columbians join with fellow Canadians to mourn those lost in yesterday’s tragic events. https://t.co/VBPSr2W1Gi #QuebecShooting
— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) January 30, 2017
On behalf of all the residents of Toronto, I condemn this horrific violence and send our prayers to the victims and their families.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) January 30, 2017
Messages of shock, support and solidarity also flooded in from world leaders:
Our prayers tonight are with the people of Quebec City as they deal with a terrible attack on a mosque. We must stand together.
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 30, 2017
French President Francois Hollande has condemned the shooting and offered support for Canada’s leaders. In a tweet, he said: “I denounce with the utmost firmness the odious attack which has left at least six dead and many more injured in a mosque in Quebec.”
Je dénonce avec la plus grande fermeté l'odieux attentat qui a fait au moins six morts et de nombreux blessés dans une mosquée à Québec.
— François Hollande (@fhollande) January 30, 2017
London stands with the people of Quebec. Hate & violence will not defeat us. Those who seek to divide us will fail. https://t.co/H9ttOvHll9
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) January 30, 2017
British Prime Minister Theresa May has not yet commented on the deadly attack, but Howard Drake, the British High Commissioner to Canada, sent out a tweet. In it, he expressed his “deepest condolences to [the] great Quebec people” and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard.
All @UKinCanada shocked & saddened by Quebec City attack. Deepest condolences to great Quebec people @phcouillard, we stand by you
— Howard Drake (@HDrakeUK) January 30, 2017
Pope Francis offered his prayers, and Paris officials are planning to dim the lights on the Eiffel Tower at midnight to honour the victims.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his support to Canada in a message to Prime Minister Trudeau, CBC News reports.
Putin offered “deep condolences in connection with the tragedy in Quebec.” He added that “the murder of people who gathered for a prayer in a mosque is shocking by its degree of violence and cynicism.”
And while U.S. President Donald Trump has not tweeted about the shooting, he has called Trudeau to express his condolences, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. Trump also offered to provide any assistance as needed.
The call comes after Trump instituted a new travel ban on Friday that restricts entry to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority countries.
