Manchester attack – Donald Trump slams suicide bomber as ‘an evil loser’ and says US stands in ‘absolute solidarity’ with Britain
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has branded the suicide nail bomber who killed 22 people in Manchester an "evil loser".
Trump, who is in Bethlehem as part of his first foreign trip as US President, gave his reaction to the terror attack at a news conference.
He said: “I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured in this terrorist attack and to the many killed and the families, so many families of the victims.
“We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.
“So many young innocent people... murdered by evil losers in life."
Press Secretary Sean Spicer confirmed that Trump has spoken to Prime Minister Theresa May following the senseless concert massacre.
Trump later tweeted a post featuring the Union Flag crossed with America's Stars and Stripes, along with the message: "We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom."
In his live statement which was screened on Sky News, the firebrand President said he refused to call the terrorists responsible "monsters".
He continued: "I won't call them monsters because they would like that term, they would think that's a great name.
“I will call them from now on losers because that's what they are.
“They're losers, and we'll have more of them, but they're losers - remember that.
“Our society can have no tolerance for this continuation of bloodshed.
“We cannot stand a moment longer for the slaughter innocent people - and in today's attack, it was mostly innocent children.
“This wicked ideology must be obliterated and the innocent life must be protected, all innocent lives.”
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The White House has released a statement about Trump's phone call with Prime Minister May.
The official readout confirms the pair were united in condemning the "depraved attack" while praising the heroes who "responded to the wounded, secured the innocent, an tended to the survivors and their families."
The statement also said the President offered American aid to the UK's investigation into the vile attack which terror group ISIS later claimed responsibility for.
Standing next to Trump at the news conference in Bethlehem, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas offered his condolences to the victims.
He said: "Allow me at the beginning to condemn the horrible terrorist attack that occurred in the British city of Manchester … I do offer my warm condolences to the prime minister of Britain, families of victims and the British people."
Other world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also offered support to the UK following the attack which left 59 people injured.
Putin said he was ready to boost anti-terror cooperation with Britain in a condolence message to Theresa May over the "inhuman" attack.
In a statement, his office said: "It's with dismay that Mr Macron learned of the murderous attack which struck last night during a concert at the Manchester Arena.
"He expresses to the British people all the compassion and care of France which is at their side in mourning, with a particular thought for the victims and their families."
Ahead of the US President's remarks, First Lady Melania Trump tweeted: " My thoughts and prayers to the families of #Manchester."
Witnesses at the concert told of seeing shards of metal tearing into revellers in the foyer of Manchester Arena– leaving dozens lying in pools of blood.
The blast could he heard echoing through the packed arena as families tried to make their way home as the concert came to an end just after 10.40pm.
Thousands who had watched the appearance fled after hearing a “massive bang” with crowds of screaming and crying teens rushing from the venue.
Witnesses said that nuts and bolts were sent flying in the blast at the foyer area as fans made their way to Manchester Victoria train station next door.
Theresa May has slammed the "appalling terrorist attack", which came on the fourth anniversary of the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby.
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