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At least 207 people have been murdered and as many as 450 others wounded after six nearly simultaneous explosions struck three churches and three luxury hotels in and just outside of Sri Lanka’s capital on Easter Sunday. They were followed hours later by two more blasts. These were Islamic extremist attacks and are the worst since Sri Lanka's 26-year civil war ended in 2009.
Nearly a dozen foreigners were among the dead and a curfew has been imposed as police conduct a search operation on the outskirts of Colombo, the capital, where the latest of eight explosions took place.
The first explosion took place around 8:45 a.m. local time, the deadliest at St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo, about 20 miles north of Colombo. Other attacks occurred at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo and Zion Church in the eastern city of Batticaloa. The three hotels – the Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury Hotel – all in Colombo are frequented by foreign tourists.
Wijewardena said Sunday night that seven suspects have been arrested--all are Muslims.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he feared the violence could trigger instability in the country and its economy, but forgot to mention death.
The other two blasts occurred in Dematagoda, where the occupants of a safe-house apparently detonated explosives to prevent arrest.
An official told the Associated Press that at least two of the church blasts were believed to have been coordinated attack carried out by suicide bombers.
An official told the Associated Press that at least two of the church blasts were believed to have been coordinated attack carried out by suicide bombers.
One of the mass murderers has been identified as Zahran Hashim, a jihadi who has said in the past that "Allah created this land for Muslims." This makes a good case for a more robust scrutiny of immigrants coming into our country.
But no one immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday’s blasts and people are scratching their collective heads wondering just who could do such a thing to Christians on the holiest holidays of the year. Hmm.
But no one immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday’s blasts and people are scratching their collective heads wondering just who could do such a thing to Christians on the holiest holidays of the year. Hmm.
From President Trump to Theresa May, everyone took to Twitter to post their heartfelt support, condolences and prayers. Trump offered any help the country could give to Sri Lanka.
Lots of thoughts and prayers went out.
St. Sebastian's pleaded for help on its Facebook page. The explosion ripped the roof off the building and knocked out doors and windows. Churches throughout the country have been placed on alert, with many canceling Easter services, giving the terrorists exactly what they wanted.
The Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, called on Sri Lanka's government to launch a "very impartial strong inquiry" and to punish those found responsible "mercilessly because only animals can behave like that."
St. Sebastian's pleaded for help on its Facebook page. The explosion ripped the roof off the building and knocked out doors and windows. Churches throughout the country have been placed on alert, with many canceling Easter services, giving the terrorists exactly what they wanted.
The Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, called on Sri Lanka's government to launch a "very impartial strong inquiry" and to punish those found responsible "mercilessly because only animals can behave like that."
Actually, animals don't behave like that--they generally don't kill their own and when they do, it's never done out of their religious beliefs.
There was an outpouring of condemnation from around the world following the attacks, which did nothing to assuage future attacks.
Pope Francis denounced the "cruel violence" at the end of his traditional Easter Sunday blessing. Like the outpouring of condemnation and hearts going out, it will do little to stop future violence.
Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Francis said: "I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence."
He added: "I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event."
British Prime Minister Teresa May tweeted "We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to (practice) their faith in fear." Yadda, yadda.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned the "devastating" attacks, and referred to the March 15 shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch in which 50 died.
"New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil," Ardern said. "New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely."
There was an outpouring of condemnation from around the world following the attacks, which did nothing to assuage future attacks.
Pope Francis denounced the "cruel violence" at the end of his traditional Easter Sunday blessing. Like the outpouring of condemnation and hearts going out, it will do little to stop future violence.
Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Francis said: "I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence."
He added: "I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event."
British Prime Minister Teresa May tweeted "We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to (practice) their faith in fear." Yadda, yadda.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned the "devastating" attacks, and referred to the March 15 shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch in which 50 died.
"New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil," Ardern said. "New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely."
Now that all forms of extremism has been rejected, the extremists have been warned. If this continues, we will continue to reject your attacks.
I hope this scares you nasty extremists.
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