US officials condemn Barcelona terror attack

U.S. officials are condemning the terror attack in Barcelona on Thursday that reportedly claimed the life of at least one person and left dozens of others injured. 

White House chief of staff John Kelly briefed President Trump on the situation and Trump took to Twitter to condemn the incident as a “terror attack” and offer his support to the victims. 

“The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough & strong, we love you!” the president tweeted. 

The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough & strong, we love you!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017

First lady Melania Trump also responded to the attack on Twitter, offering her thoughts and prayers to those impacted. 

Thoughts and prayers to #Barcelona

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) August 17, 2017

{mosads}Secretary of State Rex Tillerson addressed the attacks during a news conference with Japanese officials and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to fighting terrorism. 

“Terrorists around the world should know the United States and our allies are resolved to find you and bring you to justice,” he said. 

Sec. Tillerson: We offer condolences to the loss of life & the injuries that have occurred to so many innocent people yet again. #Barcelona pic.twitter.com/RKcE5MCqNB

— Department of State (@StateDept) August 17, 2017

Lawmakers quickly took to Twitter to speak out against the attack. 

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) called the attack “pure evil,” while House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called it “an act of barbarism.” 

Pure evil in #Barcelona. We stand with the people of Spain, and send our prayers to the victims of this horrible terrorist attack.

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) August 17, 2017

This act of barbarism and terror is unconscionable. America stands in solidarity w/ Spain. Our nations will never, ever yield to terrorism.

— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) August 17, 2017

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she was praying for all of those suffering as a result of the attack.  

My thoughts are with all suffering after the terror attack in #Barcelona. Praying for the victims, their loved ones and the people of Spain.

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) August 17, 2017

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), who was the victim of a shooting attack in June, also spoke out against the attack on social media.

Jennifer and I are praying for those killed and injured in the terrorist attack in Barcelona. This evil has no place in our world.

— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) August 17, 2017

A van rammed into Barcelona’s crowded city center on Thursday, prompting authorities to urge people to stay away the area and requested the nearby public transportation hubs be shutdown. 

The U.S. Consulate in Spain also issued a warning for people to stay away from the area. 

This is the latest in a series of attacks involving vehicles plowing into crowds of people in European cities such as London, Nice and Berlin.

A 32-year-old woman was also killed on Saturday during protests in Charlottesville, Va., when a car rammed into a crowd of counterdemonstrators at a white supremacist rally, an incident that continues to reverberate in the U.S.