Donald Trump Responds To NYC Incident: 'NOT IN THE U.S.A'
President Donald Trump commented on a deadly incident that took place in New York City Tuesday and is being investigated as terrorism, saying it “looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person.”
In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017
An hour later, he appeared to link the incident to the self-proclaimed Islamic State, which has not yet been found to have any connection to Tuesday’s attack.
We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017
He later tweeted condolences to the victims and their families:
My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack. God and your country are with you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017
The White House also issued a formal statement from the president:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of today’s terrorist attack in New York City and their families. My Administration will provide its full support to the New York City Police Department, including through a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We offer our thanks to the first responders who stopped the suspect and rendered immediate aid to the victims of this cowardly attack. These brave men and women embody the true American spirit of resilience and courage. I will continue to follow developments closely.
At least eight people were killed and 15 injured after a man drove a Home Depot rental truck down a bike path in lower Manhattan in New York City, striking several people, authorities said. One suspect was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon.
The FBI and the New York Police Department are investigating the incident.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) both visited the scene of the incident Tuesday afternoon. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders briefed Trump on the incident.
Several members of Trump’s family, which was largely based in New York until he won the presidency in 2016, tweeted condolences before Trump commented on the incident:
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My heart breaks for #NYC today. Thoughts & prayers as we monitor the situation.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) October 31, 2017
Heartbreaking news coming out of NYC. Praying for the victims.
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) October 31, 2017
I'm praying for all the victims in my home NYC!
— Vanessa Trump (@MrsVanessaTrump) October 31, 2017
Vice President Mike Pence tweeted about the incident shortly after Trump:
Saddened by the tragedy in NYC. Our prayers are w/the victims, their families & first responders. Those responsible must be held accountable
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 31, 2017
Trump has used the words “sick” and “deranged” while talking about suspects of other violent incidents, including the suspect in the Las Vegas shooting that took place earlier this month.
This story has been updated to include more details about Trump’s response and the incident.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
