World leaders and politicians sent their condolences. US First Lady Melania Trump was one of the first top officials to comment on the attack.
Thoughts and prayers to #Barcelona
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) August 17, 2017
US President Donald Trump took to Twitter much later than his wife.
The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough & strong, we love you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani expressed solidarity with the injured in the deadly ramming attack.
My heart goes out to the victims of the attack in #Barcelona and their families. Full support to authorities. EU united in defence of peace
— EP President Tajani (@EP_President) August 17, 2017
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the terrorist attack.
I condemn the terrible attack in #Barcelona. My thoughts are with all those affected. We stand united in the fight against terrorism.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) August 17, 2017
Messages from First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and other politicians followed.
My thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific and mindless attack in Barcelona.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 17, 2017
My heart goes out to the victims of the attack in #Barcelona and their families. Full support to authorities. EU united in defence of peace
— EP President Tajani (@EP_President) August 17, 2017
— Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) August 17, 2017
Terrible reports from Barcelona. My thoughts are with those killed and injured, and the emergency services working to save lives.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) August 17, 2017
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, expressed his support for Barcelona. London has seen a series of terror attacks in the last year.
London stands with Barcelona against the evil of terrorism.
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) August 17, 2017
Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin expressed condolences to families of victims of an incident.
"Shocked by the news from Barcelona. I am expressing condolences to relatives and friends of those dead and injured. Support to the mayor of Barcelona," Sobyanin wrote in his Twitter blog.
Шокирован новостями из Барселоны. Соболезную родным и близким погибших и пострадавших. Слова поддержки мэру Барселоны.
— Сергей Собянин (@MosSobyanin) August 17, 2017
Public figures and other users alike expressed their grief with the terror attack that had left several people killed and dozens injured.
Sad news from Barcelona after a van driven into crowds on La Rambla. Seems no end in sight to such attacks. Thoughts and prayers with all.
— Aidan Troy (@fatherfrench) August 17, 2017
All prayers and thoughts in Barcelona this morning. Heartbreaking.
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 17, 2017
Barcelona… My prayers & thoughts are with you 😔❤️🙏🏼
— Toni Duggan (@toniduggan) August 17, 2017
Some users were baffled with the graphic videos and photographs that had emerged from the scene on the attack.
Can't believe some people are actually sharing videos from Barcelona on social media. No respect for victims and families
— Liam Chadzynski (@liamchad) August 17, 2017
The police have asked that people don't post videos of what's happening rn, gives info to the terrorists. #Barcelona
— Dwain Tyndale (@dtyndale1) August 17, 2017
Some people rather film the aftermath of a terror attack than help,disgusting immoral behaviour.Something's wrong w/ our society. #Barcelona
— Nick Jonas Fandom (@NickJonasUPD) August 17, 2017
And gave advice on how to act in a situation like this.
If you're in #Barcelona please put your phones away unless it is to inform loved ones you're safe/call for help. Be alert, help if you can.
— Beckie (@beckiew_x) August 17, 2017
Some users jumped to conclusions.
Very effective ways to limit these low tech terror attacks come through profiling and monitoring. Of course the left objects. #Barcelona
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) August 17, 2017
While others expressed disgust with those who had been quick to identify the attacker as a Muslim despite any information from the authorities on the identity of the perpetrator.
the terrorists in barcelona haven't been identified yet and y'all are already being islamophobic trash. this is disgusting
— ann (@WillowHaIe) August 17, 2017
Tweets noting the evident escalation of violence around the world flooded Twitter.
#Barcelona Lord. I can't keep up w this news anymore. Seems like bad things r escalating. What used 2 go in years, then months is now days.
— William deVry (@WilliamdeVry1) August 17, 2017
Yet again, another beautiful city hit so hard by a huge problem in the world.. my heart aches 💔 #Barcelona
— Frankie Barnes (@frankiebarnes02) August 17, 2017
— Arastu (@arastu47) August 17, 2017
Barcelona City Councilor confirmed at least one person has died and 32 have been injured in the terror attack. At least 56 people have been taken to the hospital, Spanish media reports.
The incident has been classified a terror attack, Catalan police confirmed.
