Horrified by what is presumed to have been a terrorist attack in Berlin

In what was presumably a terrorist attack in Berlin, 12 people were killed and 48 injured. On Monday evening an articulated lorry drove without braking into the crowds at a Christmas market on Breitscheidplatz near Berlin’s Gedächtniskirche in its City West. On Tuesday morning the Berlin Police Dept. said it assumed the act was deliberate and had been a terrorist attack. A suspect was arrested shortly after the incident. A press conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. local time.  

Initial reactions to what is presumed to have been a terrorist attack in Berlin:

German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel:

“This is a very difficult day. Like millions of other people in Germany I am aghast, shocked and deeply saddened by what happened yesterday evening on Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz. At the moment at the forefront of my mind are those who were killed or injured, and my thoughts go out to their families, relatives and friends. I want them to know that all of us, the entire country, is united with them in deep sorrow. Judging by findings so far we have to assume this was a terrorist attack. Even if this may be difficult at this moment in time, but we will find the power to live life the way we want to live it in Germany: freely, openly and with one another.”

German Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier:

“I am deeply shocked by the terrible news of the events at Berlin’s Gedächtniskirche. My deep sympathy goes out to the victims’ families, relatives and friends. I wish the many injured a speedy recovery. We do not yet know with any certainty what actually happened tonight. The security services are working fast to pinpoint all the evidence on site and find the perpetrators.”

German Federal Minister of the Interior Thomas de Maizière:

“I was informed immediately after the terrible incident at Berlin’s Christmas market. My thoughts are now with the relatives of the victims and those injured in the awful incident. I am being kept informed directly and continuously by the State of Berlin’s security officers and have offered them the full support of the Federal Police.”

French Foreign Minister Ayrault on Twitter:

“Shocked by the news from Berlin and all my solidarity with our German friends.”

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker:

“My thoughts and those of the entire European Commission are among the families and relatives of all those who have been killed and injured in Berlin. This news shook us all the more because they had gathered there to celebrate the pre-Christmas season, which many associate with peace and tranquillity. It is with deep sorrow that we think of the victims. We wish the countless helpers and emergency personnel much strength for this difficult night.”

Italy’s Prime Minister  Paolo Gentiloni on Twitter:

“Pain at the Christmas massacre in Berlin, solidarity with Angela Merkel and the entire German population.”

President of the United States Barack Obama:

“We stand together with Berlin in the fight against all those who target our way of life and threaten our societies.”