Obama condemns "what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack" in Nice, France
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The White House released a statement from President Obama on Twitter Thursday evening condemning "what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France."
At least 75 people were killed and dozens of others hurt when a truck plowed into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France local officials said Thursday.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and other loved ones of those killed, and we wish a full recovery for the many wounded," the statement from Mr. Obama read.
U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch also released a statement on the attack in Nice, France.
"I join the President in condemning what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France," she said. "My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those lost and wounded. The Department of Justice has reached out to our French counterparts to offer our assistance in the investigation."
Secretary of State John Kerry, who is in Moscow for meetings with Russian leaders, said the U.S. Embassy in Paris "is making every effort to account for the welfare of U.S. citizens in Nice." He urged Americans visiting Nice to contact friends and family directly.
French network BFM TV said the victims were gathered to watch fireworks along the famed Promenade des Anglais on the Nice waterfront Thursday night.
Sylvie Toffin, a press officer with the local prefecture, said the truck "hit several people on a long trip" down the sidewalk near Nice's Palais de la Méditerranee, a building which fronts the beach.
Toffin confirmed the incident was deliberate, saying, "It's an attack."
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, said on Twitter the truck "seems to have killed dozens of people." Estrosi told residents to stay inside their homes.
Estrosi said the truck was loaded with arms and grenades, and that the driver was shot dead by police.
The mayor told BFM TV that "the driver fired on the crowd, according to the police who killed him."
Estrosi said the truck was driven by someone who appeared to have "completely premeditated behavior." He added that "the truck was loaded with arms, loaded with grenades."