In the hours of disbelief after the deadly terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert, those in Manchester and around the world are struggling to find words. Authorities have confirmed that 22 concertgoers have died after a bomber blasted the entrance of Manchester Arena, and 59 others were left injured. Hotels have opened their doors to teenagers who were separated at the concert. The community has taken to the streets to deliver water to those who need it. Grande has canceled the remaining 35 dates of her Dangerous Woman Tour.
Social media has been an outpouring of thoughts and prayers since the bombing, and on Tuesday morning, Grande’s Dangerous Woman Tour openers released brief statements on their Twitter accounts:
“I’m so hurt and frustrated. I don’t know how to handle this,” wrote Victoria Monet, Grande’s collaborator and close friend, who has written for her last three albums. “I can’t smile and I feel useless. I’m sorry. Lord help me find strength.”
— Victoria Monét (@VictoriaMonet) May 23, 2017
Monet and rapper BIA have been opening the European leg of the tour, and they were eight dates in. BIA also tweeted in the wake of the attack:
https://twitter.com/PericoPrincess/status/866822159326486528
https://twitter.com/PericoPrincess/status/866821932070703104
Grande herself also released very few words, while her celebrity pals have come to her side:
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/866849021519966208
Little Mix, who served as the opening act on the North American side of the trek, shared an image of an empathy ribbon, featuring Grande’s signature Dangerous Woman bunny ears.
We are so saddened by the tragedy in Manchester last night. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to the beautiful Ariana fans and their families ❤️
— Little Mix (@LittleMix) May 23, 2017
Devastated for this world we're living in..😞 sending all the ❤️in the world to the beautiful Arianators their families & @arianagrande ❤️Lx pic.twitter.com/4UZFOcYvMF
— Little Mix (@LittleMix) May 23, 2017
There are many others:
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
Sending all my love to every single family at the Manchester show last night. So upsetting
— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) May 23, 2017
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
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
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone effected by this horrible attack in Manchester. My heart is broken this morning.
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) May 23, 2017
Sick over the incident in Manchester. Such tragic and wildly senseless manifestations of pain. I'm so sorry and so sad.
— Sara Bareilles (@SaraBareilles) May 23, 2017
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) May 23, 2017
Manchester 💔💔💔
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) May 23, 2017
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke from the West Bank on Tuesday morning, calling the terrorists “evil losers,” while British Prime Minister Theresa May called the bombing “appalling.” Police say the bomber is dead, while a man who is connected to the attack is now in custody. ISIS has claimed responsibility.
