Joint Statement from the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans
Rep. Ed Whitfield – Co-Chair : Rep. Steve Cohen – Co-Chair ; Rep. Virginia Foxx – Co-Chair: Rep. Gerry Connolly – Co-Chair
On behalf of the Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans, and as friends of the people of Turkey, we extend our heartfelt condolences in the wake of yesterday’s attacks at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. This heartbreaking tragedy reiterates the reality that terrorism makes no distinctions between nationalities or religions, as this horrific tragedy took place during the holy month of Ramadan, a sacred time of reflection and prayer for the Muslim faith. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 41 who died and the more than 200 who were injured during yesterday’s attacks. We stand together with Turkey, a longstanding friend and ally of the United States, during this time of national mourning.
Statements of condolences and support for Turkey have been made by a number of US Politicians. President Obama made a briefing statement while attending the North American Leaders Summit and had a personal phone call with President Erdogan. Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden visited the Turkish embassy in Washington DC to also express their condolences. Other important members of congress like Nancy Pelosi released statements sending condolences to Turkey. Co-Chairs of the U.S. - Turkey Caucus also released a statement condemning the “senseless act of violence”. Numerous Senators and House representatives made statements via social media platforms sending prayers, condolences and expressing their solidarity with the Turkish people.
- President Obama - "I'm confident that we can and we will defeat those who offer only death and destruction, and we will always remember, even as there are those trying to divide us, that we are stronger when we come together and work toward a better world together" Obama
- Vice President Biden - "I am absolutely convinced that combined with our resolve, we will wipe out the so called caliphate in Iraq and in Syria. The world is united behind Turkey in our resolve." Biden
- Secretary General Ban Ki-moon - “nothing can justify such kind of heinous terrorist attacks”
- NATO's secretary general Jens Stoltenberg - "My thoughts are with the families of the victims, those injured and the people of Turkey''
- House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi - “Today, the American people share in the sorrow at the loss of life and pray for all those killed and injured in the terrorist attack at one of the world’s busiest airports." Nancy Pelosi
- Pentagon spokesman Gordon Trowbridge - “Secretary Carter strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Istanbul as a cowardly assault on a stalwart NATO ally and enduring partner in our efforts to confront the threat of terrorism,”
- US Deputy Sec. of State Blinken - "These are not the acts of martyrs, they are the acts of murderers"
- Press Secretary Josh Earnest - "The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today's heinous terrorist attack at Istanbul's Atatürk International Airport in Turkey"
