Several European government leaders have expressed their support for Austria after the attacks in Vienna on Monday evening.
US presidential candidate Joe Biden and President Donald Trump’s national security adviser have also responded to the attacks, which have claimed the lives of two more victims.
“We must unite against all hatred and violence,” Biden wrote on Twitter. The Democrat called the shooting a “heinous terrorist attack”. “There is no justification for hatred and violence like this,” said US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien on behalf of the White House.
French President Emmanuel Macron said France shares the shock and sorrow. “After France, a friendly country has been attacked. This is our Europe. Our enemies need to distinguish who they are commerce with. We will not give in,” Macron tweeted in French and German. Several acts of terrorism took place in France in recent weeks.
Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed support for neighbouring Austria. “Our thoughts are with the injured and the victims during these difficult hours,” the ministry wrote on Twitter.
The European Union reacted with horror. EU President Charles Michel writes on Twitter that Europe strongly condemns the “cowardly act” and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote that he was “shocked and sad”.