After an Islamic terrorist attack took the lives of eight innocent people in New York City on Tuesday, the reaction from around the world was quick to pour in. Following comments from First Lady Melania Trump, critics of the administration wasted no time firing back.
Melania on NYC attack
Ever since September 11, 2001, Americans have been on guard when it comes to terrorist attacks. In recent years, Islamic terrorist groups like the Islamic State (ISIS) have carried out various acts of terror in the West, targeting not just the United States, but also countries throughout Europe.
However, with ISIS losing its stronghold in the Middle East, the group has been able to recruit thousands of members around the world using the internet, which has resulted in lone-wolf style attacks being planned. On Halloween in lower Manhattan, 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov, originally from Uzbekistan, rented a Home Depot truck and plowed through the streets in New York City. After getting out of the car and shouting "Allahu Akbar," Saipov was shot by police before being brought into custody by law enforcement. By the time the suspect was caught, eight deaths had been confirmed, with over a dozen others left injured. In the aftermath, authorities have confirmed that ISIS-related propaganda was found in the truck, including handwritten notes pledging his loyalty to the Islamic terror group.
In response, Melania Trump gave her thoughts during an October 31 tweet.
My heart breaks for #NYC today. Thoughts & prayers as we monitor the situation.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) October 31, 2017
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Melania Trump posted her reaction to the terrorist attack in New York City. "My heart breaks for #NYC today.
Thoughts & prayers as we monitor the situation," Melania wrote.
Suspect identified, note declaring allegiance to ISIS found after truck attack leaves 8 dead https://t.co/MiKTFrzLIy
— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 1, 2017
While Melania Trump's tweet appeared innocent, Donald Trump took a more aggressive approach. "We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Enough!" Trump tweeted, while also referring to the attacker as a "sick and deranged person" in a previous post.
We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017
Twitter reacts
While Melania Trump's response to the New York City attack seemed noncontroversial, those who oppose Donald Trump decided to sound off anyway. "Quick put on your disaster heels and baseball cap!" one tweet read.
Now is not the time for ignorant racist Tweets from #DonaldTrump. Prayers for all affected.
— Jules Morgan (@glamelegance) October 31, 2017
This is your hubby's America, carnage here, there, everywhere now since he took office
— Stephanie (@mspoemwtr) October 31, 2017
Quick put on your disaster heels and baseball cap!
— Tina Smiph (@tinasmiph) October 31, 2017
"This is your hubby's America, carnage here, there, everywhere now since he took office," another tweet added.
"Now is not the time for ignorant racist Tweets from Donald Trump. Prayers for all affected," an additional Twitter user wrote.
This is your husband's America. Tell him to quit so we can get adults back in charge.
— william j. walker (@sftsc) October 31, 2017
Robots have hearts? Keep your “thoughts & prayers” and go away.
— David Duran (@mrdavidduran) October 31, 2017
"Robots have hearts? Keep your 'thoughts & prayers' and go away," yet another tweet noted. "This is your husband's America. Tell him to quit so we can get adults back in charge," a follow-up post stated. As the responses continued, it highlighted the wide political divide between those who support Donald Trump and those who are his critics.
