We stand with France at this hour of pain: Leaders

US President Barack Obama condemned what he said appears to be a ‘horrific terrorist attack’ in Nice. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and other loved-ones of those killed,” he said. Noting that the attack occurred on Bastille Day, Obama praised the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world. Secretary of State John Kerry called it a horrendous attack in Nice. 

“I was proud to stand alongside French leaders earlier today at Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, and the United States will continue to stand firmly with the French people during this time of tragedy,” he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “I am shocked by the violence and exceptional cynicism of Thursday’s attack in Nice.” 

Although the cause of the attack has not been officially confirmed, Putin said on Friday in a message of condolences to French President Francois Hollande that, “Terrorism can be defeated only if all civilized mankind pulls efforts together to fight militants, their leaders as well as targeting their financial backers wherever they are hiding.” European Council president Donald Tusk expressed consternation that France was attacked on its National Day and said the world stands united with the French people.

“We will never allow terrorists to undermine the egalitarian and democratic values that underpin our very way of life.”

“This is war. If you look at it, this is war coming from all different parts. And frankly it’s war and we’re dealing with people without uniforms.”

“Germany stands in the fight against terrorism at France’s side, united with many, many others. I am convinced that, despite all the difficulties, we shall win this fight.”

Neighbours of the man suspected to have killed scores of people in a truck attack on the Nice seafront described him on Friday as a loner with no visible religious affiliation, as forensic experts searched his flat. The police have identified the driver as 31-yearold Franco-Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, whose identity papers were found in the truck. Neighbours portrayed him as a solitary figure who rarely spoke and did not even return greetings when their paths crossed in the four-storey block, located in a working-class neighbourhood of Nice. Sebastien, a neighbour, said Lahouaiej-Bouhlel did not seem overtly religious, often dressed in shorts and sometimes wore work boots. Police investigators and forensic experts entered his apartment around 9.30 am local time. A source close to the investigation said an ‘inactive’ grenade was found inside as well as ‘several fake rifles’.