BEIJING, Jan 2: Beijing is shocked by the violent attack on civilians in the US city of New Orleans and offers condolences to the affected families, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday.
“First of all, we are shocked by this violent attack. We express our condolences for the victims, and sympathize with the families of the dead and injured,” Mao said at a news briefing.
China has always condemned terrorist acts targeting civilians, the diplomat said, adding that the Chinese diplomatic mission in the United States recorded no victims among Chinese citizens.
Sweden and Norway condemned the terrorist attack, which killed 15 people and injured 35 others in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
“We condemn the horrific attack in New Orleans. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families during this difficult time,” the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said on X.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard also condemned the attack and expressed support for the families of the victims.
“Sweden stands behind the United States during these tragic times,” Kristersson said on X.
The FBI confirmed to RIA Novosti that a pickup truck struck a crowd on Bourbon Street in the city’s historic center at around 3:15 a.m. (09:15 GMT) on Wednesday. The suspect opened fire at the police, killing two, and was shot dead.
The suspected attacker was identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas. A flag of the Islamic State terrorist group (banned in Russia) was found in the vehicle.
(UNI)
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