As horrific as Monday's suicide bombing in Manchester, England was, killing 22 people and injuring 59 others, it is made even more tragic as we learn that a large number of the victims were mere children.
MANCHESTER, England (@AP) - UK ambulance official: 12 children under age of 16 were among 59 injured in concert attack.
— Andrew Peng (@TheAPJournalist) May 23, 2017
Two victims have so far been identified in the Islamic State attack. The first is Georgina Callander, an 18-year-old and a huge Ariana Grande fan who once even got a photo with the artist. The other is Saffie Rose Roussos. She was 8.
One of Saffie's teachers remembered his late student.
"Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair."
In the face of unimaginable heartache, the world is responding boldly. British Prime Minister Theresa May defined the attack as "sickening cowardice," for the terrorists targeted innocent, defenseless children. President Trump referred to the Islamic State as "evil losers," refusing to call them "monsters" because he believes the terrorists like that term.
Social media users also weighed in, insisting that terrorism will not prevail in stealing the joy of our young people.
Teenage girls and their joy and self-expression were absolutely the target in #Manchester last night. Terror cannot and will not win. https://t.co/qDHgGHGBsW
— Sarah Boesveld (@sarahboesveld) May 23, 2017