WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US President Barack Obama on Thursday strongly condemned what he said appeared to be a “horrific terrorist attack” in Nice.
Obama offered assistance to France to help investigate the attack, which left at least 75 people dead, and “bring those responsible to justice.”
“On behalf of the American people, I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians,” Obama said in a statement.
A truck ploughed into a crowd in the French resort town after a Bastille Day fireworks display, prosecutors said.
The government said the driver of the truck was shot dead after barreling down the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, sending hundreds of terrified people fleeing and leaving the seaside path strewn with fallen bodies.
“We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack,” Obama said.
“We know that the character of the French Republic will endure long after this devastating and tragic loss of life,” Obama added.
“On this Bastille Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world.”
© 1994-2016 Agence France-Presse