World responds to Munich mass shooting
July 23, 2016
Statements of condolences continued to pour in Saturday as world leaders offered their condolences to the victims and their families after 10 people - including the gunman - were killed and 16 wounded in the attack in Munich.
Chancellor Angela Merkel also expressed sympathy after the "night of horror" that unfolded in the southern German city.
"All of us, and I say this on behalf of the whole government, are mourning with heavy hearts those who will never be able to return to their families," Merkel said from Berlin.
The attack was the third on civilians in Europe in eight days.
"Germany's one of our closest allies, so we are going to pledge all the support that they may need in dealing with these circumstances," US President Barack Obama said on Friday.
France - which is still recovering from the recent attack in Nice - also offered solidarity to its neighbor.
"Solidarity with Germany in the challenge they are facing at the moment," wrote French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.
"The terrorist attack that struck Munich killing many people is a disgusting act that aims to foment fear in Germany after other European countries," French President Francois Hollande said in a statement.
The French president's concern was also echoed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Iran also weighed in pledging its support to combat violent extremism.
"Today, fighting terrorism, in any form and place, is an urgent demand of the world community ...that should be considered as the top priority by all countries in an international consensus," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.
jar/rc (AFP, dpa, AP)