Tuesday’s terrorist attack in the Belgian capital of Brussels has united people all over the world, calling for peace and solidarity for the targeted European country.
CNN reports the bombings come just months after the attacks in Paris that left 130 people dead. On Tuesday morning (Mar. 22), the Maelbeek metro station was bombed, leaving 20 people dead. Just a few miles away, the Brussels International Airport was also struck, killing 10 and injuring hundreds. Officials believe a suicide bomber was responsible for one of the two explosions at the airport.
Shortly after officials announced the country would be shut down and police special forces will take to the streets, The Islamic State better known as ISIS took responsibility for the attacks. Their note claimed the suspects were “participating in the international coalition against the Islamic State.”
After the bombings, the hashtags #JeSuisBruxelles,#PrayforBrussels, and #PrayforPeace arose on social media, The Huffington Post reported with celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Kerry Washington offering their love and support to those affected by the act of terror.
Landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower were illuminated with colors of the Belgium flag.
?? #Brussels
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) March 22, 2016
Praying for peace. #Brussels pic.twitter.com/kYktzUZhwu
— Janel Parrish Long (@JanelParrish) March 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/IGGYAZALEA/status/712258097696342016
In the past 7 days we've seen attacks on #Brussels, #Ankara & #Instanbul. Praying LOVE will rise #PrayersForBelgium #PrayersForTurkey ??❤️??
— Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) March 22, 2016
#Paris & #Bruxelles sont unies. La Tour Eiffel s'illumine aux couleurs de la Belgique. pic.twitter.com/Qj1LHbITRI
— Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) March 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/TravelDW/status/712353898795769857
Speaking in Cuba this morning, President Barack Obama vowed to bring to justice the attackers. “We will do whatever is necessary to support our friend and ally Belgium in bringing to justice those who are responsible,” Obama said.”This is yet another reminder that the world must unite. We must be together regardless of nationality or race or faith in fighting against the scourge of terrorism.”
The House also issued a moment of silence for the victims in Brussels.
The House just observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in #Brussels.https://t.co/GV5bPtOAlM
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) March 22, 2016
As of now, Belgium officials believe three men are the primary suspects in the attacks.
Belgian police: 3 suspects in #Brussels attacks. The left two were "probably" suicide bombers, 3rd remains at large. pic.twitter.com/TIiDeu9Qk2
— AJ+ (@ajplus) March 22, 2016
Security has also been heightened in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C.