Reactions to the 2016 Nice attack

A message about the attacks, displayed at the visitors' centre of the European Parliament.

The 2016 Nice attack in France, in which at least 84 people were killed when a man deliberately drove a truck into a crowd of Bastille Day celebrators, was met with reactions from foreign governments and organizations.

Domestic

French flag at half-mast in Tours on the day after the attack, which was followed by three days of national mourning

Memorial at the site of the attack

Tributes on the Promenade des Anglais

President François Hollande returned to Paris from Avignon to have an emergency Interior Ministry meeting regarding the attacks. Hollande addressed the French nation in a televised broadcast from Paris in the early morning of 15 July 2016 announcing future measures against terrorism, including a three-month extension of the state of emergency, previously due to end on 26 July. He also announced that more security personnel would be deployed. The Prime Minister of France Manuel Valls later announced that there would be three days of national mourning on 16–18 July.

French Minister of the Interior Bernard Cazeneuve initiated the ORSEC plan immediately following the attacks. He later announced plans to increase security in response to the attack by calling 12,000 police reservists to add to the 120,000 person force. He urged "all patriotic citizens" to join the reserve forces to boost security following the attacks.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the attacker was "probably linked to radical Islam in one way or another", and put the attack in the context of a "war" against terrorism and radical Islam both outside and within France. This claim was initially cautioned by the French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve who said "We have an individual who was not known to intelligence services for activities linked to radical Islam".

French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian claimed the attacks were linked to ISIL, also known as Daesh. He said that "I remind you that Daesh's ideologue, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, has for several weeks repeated calls to attack directly, even individually, Frenchmen, in particular, or Americans, wherever they are, by any means necessary," adding that "Even if Daesh doesn’t do the organizing, Daesh inspires this terrorist spirit, against which we are fighting." Minister Cazeneuve said if Lahouaiej-Bouhlel was radicalized, "It seems that he was radicalized very quickly — in any case these are the elements that have come up from the testimony of the people around him".

On 20 July, French lawmakers approved a six-month extension of emergency rule on Wednesday after last week's truck attack on holiday crowds in Nice, the third deadly assault in just 18 months for which Islamist militants have claimed responsibility. The extension of exceptional search-and-arrest powers for police was approved by 489 votes to 26 shortly before dawn in France's National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, but not without renewed calls for an inquest. The Senate, where conservative lawmakers hold a majority, adopted the extension hours later with 310 votes in favor and 26 against after tweaking the text to make it tougher. The state of emergency rule was extended until 31 January 2017 began at 21 July this year.

French anti-terror police requested that the Nice local government destroy CCTV images of the attack, arguing any release would compromise the dignity of victims and allow use for propaganda purposes. But the Nice local government has resisted the request, arguing the images could constitute evidence.

Protests and moment of silence

On 18 July, France observed a one-minute silence in remembrance of those killed by the attack. In Nice, as the Prime Minister arrived to observe the silence, the crowd booed him and some shouted for his resignation, with some calling him a murderer. President Hollande was similarly booed at by crowds when visiting Nice the day after the attack. The booing was described by BBC as "unprecedented", and as "a stark warning of how the mood in the country has changed" in comparison to public responses after other recent major terrorist attacks in France.

International

Supranational bodies

• Arab League – the spokesperson for the Secretary General said "this tragic and heinous crime comes to reaffirm that terrorism continues to overpass all the red lines by targeting innocent people through brutal and unprecedented acts."
• European Union – President of the European Council Donald Tusk wrote on Twitter: "Tragic paradox that the subject of #NiceAttack was the people celebrating liberty, equality and fraternity."
• Interpol has announced that it will assist with the investigation process, which also includes victim identification.
• NATO - Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrote in a statement: "I am appalled and saddened by the terrorist attack in Nice. My thoughts are with the families and loved-ones of the victims and with all those affected. This attack targeted innocent people and the core values for which NATO stands. But terrorism will never defeat democracy, freedom and our open societies. We stand in strong solidarity with the people of France."
• OIC – Secretary General Iyad Madani condemned the attack, calling it "an affront to humanity and all moral and human values".
• United Nations – The UN Security Council in Statement condemned in the strongest terms the "barbaric terrorist" and "cowardly attack". The fifteen members of the Council expressed condolences to the victims and the French government. Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, said he "stands firmly behind the French government and people as they confront this threat and stresses the need to intensify regional and international efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism."

Countries

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov lay flowers near French embassy in Moscow, 15 July 2016

• Argentina – President Mauricio Macri tweeted "At this time of grief we accompany the French people and we join in repudiation to the bloody attacks that move France and the world".
• Armenia – President Serzh Sargsyan said that he's "deeply shocked" by the attack and noted that "they have cast blow not only on France but on the entire human kind. This is also a signal for us to unite more resolutely in our fight against the international terrorism". Sargsyan also said that Armenia and the Armenian people stand by the friendly France at the difficult time of grief.
• Australia – In a statement, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the Australian people's deepest sympathies and condolences were with the people of France. Governor-General Peter Cosgrove was in Paris when the attacks occurred. He referred to the Australian Army participation along with Armed forces of New Zealand personnel, as an ANZAC contingent leading the Bastille Day military parade in Paris earlier in the day, and said that his sincerest condolences were with the people of France and that, "on a day where Australians marched alongside their French counterparts this cruel attack has struck innocents celebrating their national day".
• Belgium – Foreign Minister Didier Reynders expressed dismay that France was once again the target of an apparent terrorist attack. “We condemn such an attack, maybe a terrorist attack, but such an attack in France again,” he said.
• Brazil – Acting President Michel Temer released an official statement: "It was an abject and outrageous action perpetrated against innocents celebrating the highest universal values: freedom of the peoples; equality between citizens and fraternity as an element of the relationship between human beings. The murderers will not reach their goal. Quite the contrary, this only strengthens the ties between free countries, seeking equal status among the nations of the world... Brazil joins all who wish for and struggle to achieve peace and harmony in the world. We are together against intolerance and barbarism."
• Canada – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter: "Canadians are shocked by tonight's attack in Nice. Our sympathy is with the victims, and our solidarity with the French people."
• Chile – The government of Chile tweeted: "The Government of Chile strongly condemns the brutal attack carried out in Nice and expresses their condolences to the families of the victims". Furthermore, President Michelle Bachelet gave a press declaration strongly repudiating the attack.
• China – Premier Li Keqiang expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. Furthermore he went on to condemn "terrorism in all forms".
• Colombia – President Juan Manuel Santos wrote on Twitter: "@ Fhollande: our solidarity with the victims and wounded [in the] bombing in Nice. We reject all forms of violence". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statetement that concluded: "We strongly reaffirm our rejection of any form of violence and terrorist acts, which have no justification, and constitute a serious threat to peace and international security, violating the fundamental rights of individuals, including the right to life."
• Czech Republic – Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka expressed sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and noted that "this tragedy would only strengthen the determination of the democratic world to defeat this perverse evil."
• Denmark – Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen wrote: "Attentat Nice is an attack on us all. An attack on democracy and human rights. Denmark is with France and the victim's families in the sorrow."
• Finland – President Sauli Niinistö has said that he strongly condemns the attack. Through the Office of the President of the republic, he stated: ”This brutal attack on Bastille Day is an attack against European values. Finland strongly condemns terrorism and will stand alongside France in support." Furthermore, in a release issued later on Friday, July 16, 2016, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä said that the "terror attack carried out in Nice, France, was a terrible act directed at ordinary citizens." Sipilä extended his condolences to the French people and the victim's families and went on to describe the attack as an "attack against open society."
• Germany – President Joachim Gauck, who was on a state visit in Uruguay, said “the day when France celebrates its national day, represents the values of the French Revolution, which are our values as well. An attack on France, therefore, is an attack on the entire free world.” Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was attending the Asia-Europe Meeting in Mongolia, stated: "All of us who have come together at the ASEM summit are united in our feeling of disbelief at the attack of mass murder in Nice. Germany stands in the fight against terrorism at France's side, united with many, many others. I am convinced that, despite all the difficulties, we shall win this fight."
• Greece – Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras wrote on Twitter: "I expressed my sincere condolences to Pr. Hollande for the heinous attack in Nice killing dozens of innocent civilians. At these difficult times, the Greek people affirms its support for the French people.
• Holy See – Pope Francis expressed "his deep sorrow and spiritual closeness to the French people," entrusting the dead to God’s mercy and uniting himself in the pain of grieving families.
• Hungary – Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called the events "shocking and unacceptable".
• India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter: "Appalled by the horrific attack in Nice. I strongly condemn such mindless acts of violence. My thoughts are with the families of deceased. I hope the injured recover soon. India shares the pain and stands firmly with our French sisters & brothers in this hour of immense sadness."
• Indonesia – President Joko Widodo has tweeted: "The attacks in France were very cruel. Indonesia unites in solidarity. Condolences to the victims and the people of France."
• Iran – Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Bahram Ghasemi condemned the attack, and expressed condolences of his country. He said: "terrorism is an evil; we will not root it out if there is no complex international cooperation. Concessions and double standards in fighting terrorism will lead only to failures".
• Iraq – President Fuad Masum condemned the terror attack in Nice city of France. He stressed that the Nice attack reaffirms the importance of strengthening solidarity and cooperation between the international community.
• Ireland – Taoiseach Enda Kenny issued a statement expressing the sympathies and solidarity of the Irish people and government to France. Kenny said that "Once again innocent people have been targeted at an occasion of joy and celebration. French people have suffered appallingly and have again been the victim of cynical, and wanton violence. We cannot and will not yield to this malevolence." President Michael D. Higgins also issued a statement expressing shock and sympathy at the attack. Higgins said that "With its appalling loss of life, including children, it will be received with revulsion by all those who value democracy. This cowardly attack in a public place on a national day of celebration must be condemned in the strongest terms. We must strengthen our resolve not to let such cold-blooded attacks undermine the way of life in our global community seeking to live in diversity and peace. All of the thoughts of those who value freedom and the public world are with the people of France at this time. I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the families of all those bereaved and injured."
• Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin condemned the attack. Netanyahu said that "Israel strongly condemns the terrible terror attack. Israelis stand united with the French people", and offered France assistance in fighting terrorism.
• Japan – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Asia-Europe Meeting held in the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator condemned the attack: “It was a cruel attack and I offer my sincere condolences to the victims,” Abe said. “Japan expresses its strong solidarity with France at this difficult time.” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida also denounced the attack in their respective press conferences in Tokyo. Kishida said he has not confirmed that there were any Japanese victims in the incident. Suga said he felt “strong shock and anger,” saying such violence is “never tolerable.” “If it’s a terrorist attack . . . we would resolutely denounce it,” Suga said. “Japan would like to show a sense of strong solidarity with the French.”
• Lebanon – Foreign Ministry expressed sympathy and condemned the terrorist attack in France, on its national day, a "symbolic day for the sacrifices of the French people throughout its history to build the culture of freedom, equality and brotherhood." Lebanon urged the international community for joint efforts to combat terrorism. Lebanon's Hezbollah also condemned the terrorist attack in the Nice city during Bastille Day celebrations, stating that the wave of terrorism hitting the world does not differentiate between "old or young, white or black and is not targeting a specific religion but humanity".
• Malaysia – Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia expressed sadness over the incident and was concerned that the acts would tarnish Islam if they were committed by terrorists in the name of the religion.
• Malta – The President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, sent her sympathy to the France while on an official visit in Australia. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat send his solidarity in response to the tragedy and recited the French motto of Freedom, Equality and Fraternity. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, George William Vella, gave words of support to the French Republic.
• Mongolia – President Elbegdorj expressed his deepest condolences to the President of France.
• Netherlands – King Willem-Alexander stated: "Our heart goes out to the victims of the attack in Nice. France was hit hard on its national holiday. We emphasise the deep sympathy we feel for all who mourn their loved ones and those who are experiencing tormenting uncertainty." Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that "it is horrible to see that dozens of people, innocent civilians, have been hit by a lethal attack again" and stated: "After the horrific attacks of last year in Paris, France is hit hard again. Our thoughts are with the victims, their relatives and the French people and their leaders, who have to undergo a tough ordeal once again." The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the French government.
• New Zealand – Prime Minister John Key, who was in France, said "our thoughts are with the victims of the tragic events in Nice, their families, and the people of France".
• Norway - Prime Minister Erna Solberg, wrote on Twitter Friday morning "My deepest condolences go to the victims of the attack in Nice and their families. We stand together with France to put an end to terrorist attacks."
• Peru – President Ollanta Humala tweeted: "My condolences to the brotherly people of France and their government for the tragedy that occurred today".
• Pakistan – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, the government and the people of Pakistan extends their deepest sympathies and condolences to the government and the people of France and stands in solidarity with the French people in this hour of grief.
• Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte expressed solidarity with France as he condemned what he called a terrorist act. "I would like to take this opportunity to make a public statement to say that we share the grief of France in the rampage of multiple murders of their citizens," Duterte said in a video released Saturday by RTVM. "We join the rest of the world in mourning and express our solidarity with France against terrorists, against what is fundamentally evil. Rest assured we join you in the fight against terrorism," Duterte said.
• Poland – Prime Minister Beata Szydło expressed her sympathy with the families of the victims, claiming that: "We shall put forth our best effort to counter this terrorist craze that is roaming through Europe." President Andrzej Duda tweeted his condolencies to the families of the killed as well as the French people as a whole to the French Ambassador in Poland Pierre Buhler.
• Portugal – President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa sent a telegram to his French counterpart that read: "My thoughts are with the dozens of victims and their families, with all the French, in fraternal solidarity in this moment of pain and anguish. In my name and in that of all Portuguese, I send the most heartfelt condolences to President François Hollande and all the French people." Prime Minister António Costa has said that his government "denounces and strongly condemns this attack that, once again, targets France and all Europeans... Portugal suffers with France on this 14 July, National Day of France... We all share the values of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity."
• Romania – Prime Minister Dacian Cioloș has posted a message of condolences in French: "France is in mourning. I express my deepest condolences to the French people, the families of those affected by this random barbaric act. Romania is alongside France and the French people, tried yet again by unqualified violence." President Klaus Iohannis similarly condemned the attack: "A day of celebration has turned into a day of mourning."
• Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences in a telegram to French President Francois Hollande, he wrote: "Brutality and cynicism of this crime committed on French National Day are shocking. We have once again seen that human morals are absolutely foreign to terrorism - its victims are innocent civilians, including women and children." Later on 15 July, Putin recorded a televised address to the French President and French people.
• Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia condemned the attack on Nice. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has sent a cable of condolences to President Francois Hollande following the terrorist running-over incident which took place in the city of Nice. The King said, "We have received the news of the terrorist running-over incident which took place in the city of Nice and resulted in deaths and injuries. As we condemn and denounce in the strongest terms this criminal act, we, on behalf of the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, express our condolences to Your Excellency and the families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery, stressing to your Excellency the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's firm standing with the friendly French Republic on the rejection of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and the importance of international efforts to confront and eliminate it."
• Singapore – In an official statement the government of Singapore expressed their "deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish those who are injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with the people of France at this time."
• South Africa – President Jacob Zuma stated: “South Africa shares in the grief of the French people and wishes the injured survivors a speedy recovery. Terrorism in any form and from whichever quarter cannot be condoned."
• South Korea – Seoul's foreign ministry expressed "shock and anger" at the loss of so many lives in what it called a "barbaric terrorist attack," saying it stands with the international community in working to eradicate terrorism around the world. "We strongly condemn this terrorist act," the ministry said in a statement. "Our government, with the firm belief that terrorism is a crime against civilization and humanity, which cannot be condoned under any circumstances, strongly supports the French government's efforts to root out terrorism. "The government also extended its condolences to the victims' families and the French people. The ministry said that it is also considering raising its travel alert level for Nice by one notch and asking South Koreans to refrain from traveling to the Mediterranean city. The alert level for the popular tourist destination is currently at the lowest of four possible levels. Meanwhile, a ministry official said the government has been checking the safety of South Koreans in Nice, with no casualties reported so far.
• Spain – King Felipe VI tweeted: "In the face of the criminal savagery in Nice, Spain offers its full support to the French people and their authorities."
• Sri Lanka – President Maithripala Sirisena wrote: "The government and people of Sri Lanka join me in conveying our deepest condolences to the Government and people of France, and to the bereaved families and those injured in the attack."
• Sweden – Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said in a written statement: “It is terrible what is being reported from Nice. This is an attack on innocent people and it is also an attack on our open and democratic society. I feel for all of France tonight and think of the victims and their families and relatives.”
• Turkey – President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, EU Affairs Minister Ömer Çelik and Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalın condemned the terror attack, while the Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing solidarity with the people of France.
• Ukraine – President Petro Poroshenko laid flowers near the Embassy of France in Ukraine and left a note in the book of sorrow. Poroshenko said: "We stand together with France in these difficult times. (...) Just as it was in Paris, Brussels and other cities, our position is absolutely clear: “We are not afraid”".
• United Kingdom – Prime Minister Theresa May was briefed on the attacks. A spokesperson for 10 Downing Street said: "We are shocked and concerned by the scenes there. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident on what was a day of national celebration." May said that she was "shocked and saddened by the horrifying attack in Nice last night".
• United States – President Barack Obama wrote: "On behalf of the American people, I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and other loved ones of those killed, and we wish a full recovery for the many wounded."
• Vietnam – Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh has denounced the terrorist attack in Nice. He said “We were shocked to hear about the brutal and bloody attack in Nice, which killed dozens of people and injured many others. Vietnam sent its deepest condolences to the government and people of France and believed that the government and people will overcome the difficult time quickly,"

Political reactions

French lawmakers stated that the attack could have been avoidable with senior politicians questioning their country's anti terror strategy. Former prime minister of France Alain Juppe was among the first to criticize the president, saying, "It is imperative that government intervene in that area to better coordinate our intelligence services." Juppe is hoping to run for president of France in the next upcoming election, and has risen in popularity.

Other reactions

Organisers of the 20th Nice Jazz Festival, scheduled to begin on 16 July, cancelled the event in the wake of the attack. Pop singer Rihanna cancelled a concert scheduled for 15 July at Nice's Allianz Stadium. At London's Royal Albert Hall on 15 July, the opening night of the 2016 Proms Festival paid tribute to the people of Nice, with the BBC Symphony Orchestra performing a rendition of La Marseillaise.

Immediately after the attack, when it remained unclear whether the threat had ended, people used social media, particularly Twitter, to help others find shelter, using the hashtag #PortesOuvertesNice (Open Doors Nice), a variation of a hashtag used in other recent attacks in France.

Terrorist organizations

Two days after the attack, the Amaq News Agency, an online presence said to be affiliated with the ISIL, called Lahouaiej-Bouhlel "a soldier of the Islamic State." It cited an "insider source" which said Lahouaiej-Bouhlel "executed the operation in response to calls to target citizens of coalition nations, which fight the Islamic State". ISIL mentioned Amaq's claim through its al-Bayan radio station later the same day, saying the attacker executed a "new, special operation using a truck" and “The crusader countries know that no matter how much they enforce their security measures and procedures, it will not stop the mujahideen from striking.”

Economic impact

Financial markets

European stocks opened lower and then closed mixed on Friday as investor sentiment was dampened by the attack in France. The pan-European STOXX 600 was down 0.38 percent, French CAC 40 down 0.4 percent, German DAX down 0.4 percent and British FTSE 100 fell 0.2 percent before closing down at 0.32 percent in STOXX 600, 0.6 percent down in CAC 40, 0.01 percent down in DAX, and 0.22 percent up in FTSE 100. Airlines, along with other travel share, were some of the hardest hit companies, with Flybe and EasyJet down by around 3.7 per cent and three per cent respectively.

Tourism

French ailing tourism sector, already reeling from repeated terror attacks in Paris, is suffering a further hit following Thursday's attack which left 84 people dead in Nice. Following the attack, the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) urged British tourists to follow the instructions of French authorities, who cancelled events and closed the promenade and a number of public beaches in Nice. Cancellations and last minute changes to European holidays have risen this summer with travellers increasingly concerned about the threat of terrorism. Terror attacks in Belgium, France and Turkey have prompted holidaymakers to cancel their bookings or seek out other destinations perceived to be safe. The recent failed coup in Turkey and the terror attack in Nice, France, are expected to add to the pressure.“This is not going to be a good year,” European Tour Operators Association chief executive Tom Jenkins. “There is a real suppression of demand for destinations like Belgium and France.”.