Death Toll Reaches 22 After Grande Concert
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing at Manchester Arena, the deadliest terrorist assault in Britain since 2005, as the death toll rose to 22. Fifty-nine people were hospitalized, some with life-threatening injuries. The New York Times reports the suicide bomber set off his device in the entrance hall of the 21,000-seat Manchester Arena at about 10:30pm on Monday as a concert by Ariana Grande was ending and as crowds of teenagers had begun to leave, many for the adjacent train station. Pandemonium ensued, as panicked youngsters struggled to connect with parents waiting outside to pick them up. In a televised statement, British Prime Minister Theresa May remarked, “This attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenseless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.” Grande’s manager, Scooter Braun tweeted a message that read, in part, “Our hearts are broken. Words cannot express our sorrow for the victims and families harmed in this senseless attack. We mourn the live of children and loved ones taken in this cowardly act… we ask all of you to hold the victims, their families and all of those affected in your hearts and prayers.”
As reported by Variety, Lucian Grainge, CEO of Universal Music Group, parent company of Grande’s label Republic Records, sent a letter to the staff that read, in part, “Today, our emotions are raw. We are deeply saddened by the awful events last night in Manchester. We extend our thoughts and prayers to all of those affected. And we grieve for all of those lost there, offering our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. We can report that no UMG employees were injured in the attack, and that Ariana Grande and her crew are safe. That said, the fact that such an unspeakable act can be committed at a place where innocent people — including so many young people — come together peacefully to enjoy music reflects a level of evil beyond comprehension.
Grainge continued, “This hits home for us as a music company — because so many of us, myself included, spend so much time out seeing our artists perform, let alone attending concerts as fans. That’s why we’ve chosen music as our career — or rather music has chosen us.” [Artwork by Mark E. Tisdale]
