by Rosie Alfatlawi
After Britain was targeted by its second terrorist attack in so many weeks, it was only to be expected that some would seek to exploit the resulting panic for political gain. It is, after all, only four days until the UK goes to the polls for parliamentary elections.
However, the politician first to jump on the fear mongering bandwagon was not British. It was Twitter-happy US President Donald J. Trump who tried to make a point out of the killings, even (a whole eight minutes) before offering his condolences.
We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017
He was referring to his executive order which had suspended visitors from six Muslim-majority countries earlier this year, until it hit resistance in the form of federal judges who deemed it unconstitutional.
Only days ago, Trump went to the Supreme Court in a last-ditch attempt to revive his so-called ‘Muslim ban’, after failed appeals.
Many were angered by POTUS’ tweet on London, seeing it as inappropriate and reactionary.
WE need our brothers & sisters in London & around the world to know your ignorant hateful agenda does not speak for US. Not now. Not ever.
— Amanda Guinzburg (@Guinz) June 3, 2017
Nice to see your selfish narcissistic power mad lunacy once again outstrip even a quantum of actual humanity. You'll be a pleasure to jail.
— John McNamara (@johnthemcnamara) June 4, 2017
Message from London: political point scoring is the absolute, LAST thing we need right now https://t.co/tQ0q1gWgk5
— Adam Wagner (@AdamWagner1) June 3, 2017
Opportunist-in-Chief speaks pic.twitter.com/IeQOHwQ4qB
— John Horgan (@Drjohnhorgan) June 3, 2017
You are a cheap hustler occupying an office that you don't understand. https://t.co/ZwwtlGAUAt
— Daniel W. Drezner (@dandrezner) June 3, 2017
Trump’s March 6 decree (which followed an earlier unsuccessful executive order in January) had attempted to suspend entry to all visitors from Libya, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Yemen. It was met with huge criticism in the US and worldwide for being discriminatory.
Meanwhile, other world leaders tweeted their support for the victims of the ramming and stabbing incidents on and near London Bridge, which killed at least six people late on Saturday night.
Face à cette nouvelle tragédie, la France est plus que jamais aux côtés du Royaume-Uni. Mes pensées vont aux victimes et à leurs proches.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 4, 2017
In the face of this new tragedy, France stands more than even side-by-side with the United Kingdom. My thoughts go out to the victims and their relatives.
Our prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London.
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) June 4, 2017
Awful news from London tonight. We're monitoring the situation - Canadians in need of help please see below: https://t.co/NVHwMlD2uu
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 3, 2017
RA
