Last night, at approximately 10:30 p.m. local time, a suspected terrorist attack devastated an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. The attack came just as the concert was ending; 22 were killed with another 59 injured and countless still missing. Grande was unharmed. Monday night’s concert drew thousands of fans, including children, who were trying to exit the venue when the blast occurred.
Police say Salman Abedi, 22, used an “improvised explosive device,” which was filled with nuts and bolts acting as shrapnel, in the foyer of Manchester Arena after Grande had left the stage. Abedi was among those found dead at the scene.
An official list of victims has not yet been released but The Manchester Evening News named three of the people who lost their lives as Saffie Rose Roussos, 8; Georgina Bethany Callander, 18; and John Atkinson, 26.
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack and local police are treating it as a terrorist incident, according to a Twitter post by the Manchester Police account. It is currently unknown whether Abedi has ties to the Islamic State but police are investigating. A 23-year old man was arrested at 11:30 a.m. local time, believed to be in connection with the bombing, however, there has been no word on what part this individual played in the attack.
The horror felt by those in attendance and those affected by the attack is unimaginable and the music community has filled with an outpouring of support, sympathy, and pledges to donate money for victims of the attack.
Ariana Grande, who is surely devastated and in shock in the wake of the attack, sent out a simple Tweet filled with heartbreak and has postponed the rest of her tour indefinitely.
broken.
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words.— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 23, 2017
Other artists, bands, and musicians have all Tweeted their support and love for Manchester and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Praying for the beautiful souls we lost, their families and loved ones, for the survivors who will forever be impacted by this #Manchester
— Rihanna (@rihanna) May 23, 2017
My heart hurts for my sister, Ariana & every family affected by this tragic event in the U.K. Innocent lives lost. I’m so sorry to hear this
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) May 23, 2017
Manchester we are here for u…My thoughts and prayers are with the victims… I will be helping by donating money to the right relief fund
— Dillon Francis (@DILLONFRANCIS) May 23, 2017
Can’t find the words for what happened in Manchester ? I hope people won’t let fear control them… Let’s stand strong and spread love ?❤️
— Oliver Heldens (@OliverHeldens) May 23, 2017
praying for my old friend Ari- for her, her touring crew, her fans and their families i’m so sorry. My heart is with all of you
— kesha (@KeshaRose) May 23, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this horrific act in Manchester. We need to do better. We need to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) May 23, 2017
All my love to Manchester, spread the love and never let the fear take over. Be strong everyone ❤️
— habstrakt (@habstrakt) May 23, 2017
Prayers for the families and friends in Manchester. If anyone has a donation link please share it. This is devastating.
— ?BRILLZ ? (@ItsBrillz) May 23, 2017
every musician feels sick & responsible tonight—shows should be safe for you. truly a worst nightmare. sending love to manchester & ari
— Lorde (@lorde) May 23, 2017
To see what has happened in Manchester makes me really sad. My thoughts are with those that are experiencing such tragedy at this time x
— Liam (@LiamPayne) May 23, 2017
Sending my unending thoughts, concern, love and hope to those in Manchester.
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) May 23, 2017
Haven’t stopped thinking about this. And I’m not going to. So many people to think of, because everybody but one are innocent.
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) May 23, 2017
The parents. Their children. The dead. The injured. The artist. Her band and other performers. The crew. Venue staff. All to be thought of.
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) May 23, 2017
Man this shit in Manchester breaks my fucking heart… my love and prayers go out to all the families and people affected. Fuck this shit
— JAUZ (@Jauzofficial) May 23, 2017
I’m heartbroken over what happened in Manchester tonight.
Sending love to everyone involved. H— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) May 23, 2017
My thoughts, prayers and tears for all those affected by the Manchester tragedy tonight. I’m sending all my love.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) May 23, 2017
So heartbreaking. Love and prayers for Manchester. https://t.co/hxTQQAnMfS
— Ed Sheeran (@edsheeran) May 23, 2017
Sending love to the U.K., @ArianaGrande and all of her supporters who were caught up in this awful attack. Heartbreaking.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 23, 2017
My heart is with you Manchester, sending ❤️
— marshmello (@marshmellomusic) May 23, 2017
So awful to hear what happened in Manchester.. sending love to everyone affected by this tragedy.
— Kygo (@KygoMusic) May 23, 2017
No words can describe how I feel about what happened in Manchester. I don’t wanna believe that the world we live in could be so cruel.
— Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) May 23, 2017
Completely in shock about the terrible news in Manchester. Thoughts and prayers are with the people affected and their families and friends.
— Armin van Buuren (@arminvanbuuren) May 23, 2017
Can’t believe what happened in #Manchester. So sad! My thoughts are with all the victims and their families ?
— David Guetta (@davidguetta) May 23, 2017
Manchester I’m so sorry for the lives you lost yesterday ??
— Tove Lo (@ToveLo) May 23, 2017
The effects of this horrible tragedy will no doubt be felt all around the globe and we send our love and light to all those affected by it, especially the Ariana Grande fans in attendance. If you would like to donate, a fundraiser has been set up and you can do so here.
Red Roll will continue to follow this story.
