So far (11:10 GMT, Friday 15 March), Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn have reacted on Twitter and the Queen by issuing a statement of condolence. Emmanuel Macron, Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker have also reacted on Twitter. But nothing on Twitter from compulsive tweeter Donald Trump. Presumably he'll react eventually, but the delay doesn't look good, especially as the shooter had apparently praised Trump in his "manifesto", saying "Trump is a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose" (source).

Donald Trump Junior has reacted on Twitter, but without expressing sorrow/condolences, unlike May, Corbyn, Queen, etc.

Let's be fair Jo; the time difference makes it difficult.

Yet Trump is known for tweeting in the early hours, e.g. Trump unleashes early morning tweetstorm

Now he's reacted:

My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!
4:41 AM - 15 Mar 2019

twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1106520743855251456

Pipped by Arnold Schwarzenegger, presumably on the US west coast, tweeting even earlier.

My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the people of New Zealand. This is a horrific act of terror but please know that the world stands with you. I stand with you.
12:50 AM - 15 Mar 2019
twitter.com/Schwarzenegger/status/1106462658549682177

I know it is the custom, but I am not really sure what all the condolences are for?
It goes without saying that decent people are upset by this.

I'm with you on that Honey I hate all the superficial meaningless speeches.

JK2006 wrote:
I'm with you on that Honey I hate all the superficial meaningless speeches.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

honey!oh sugar sugar. wrote:
I know it is the custom, but I am not really sure what all the condolences are for?
It goes without saying that decent people are upset by this.

Condolences underscore the international abhorrence and disgust about occurrences like this - and show empathy and shared views/condemnation.

And also the grief felt, by many, on the demise of great people. Indeed then, books of condolences are opened.

It is important that those representing nations, world organisations, religions - as well as the common (or famous) man - make their feelings known. Should they so wish.


Or perhaps, all should be quiet - and just say, to ourselves, that's life...

My plea to The Media: be pejorative 1. Agree never to identify the killer or write anything about him or her. 2 No photos of killer anywhere. 3 Use phrases such as "another sad inadequate has..." 4 Continue with grandiose stories about the achievements and potential of the dead.

Result = huge reduction in such incidents as primarily the bottom line is attention.

Likelihood of outcome = pissing in the wind...

Hold the front pages, no need to worry as Marks thoughts are with all involved.

Only a psychopath would tweet such inanities:

'My warmest sympathy and best wishes"

# I had relatives in New Zealand (all deceased now) and I visited twice.

An amazingly beautiful country..there isn't a single area that is not !

I liked the people as they are possibly the most egalitarian on the planet.

Perhaps it was because of their forbears..not just English but even more Scots and Northern Europeans especially from the Scandinavian countries.

Things that we battle over elsewhere like universal healthcare and sensible social benefits are not even fought over in New Zealand except when all parties promise even more.

They talk funny but I hope this will not divide..doubt it..I'm pretty sure this will unite all New Zealanders.

And isn't Jacinta Adern wonderful !

hedda wrote:
And isn't Jacinta Adern wonderful !
It is quite something that she's a PM at such a comparatively young age. What she has said in the wake of these killings seems to hit the tone perfectly. I thought she looked a bit thin and drawn, though, compared to how she looked when the birth of her child was announced.