As families gathered on Easter Sunday at an amusement park in Lahore, Pakistan, a suicide bomber launched an attack that killed more than 70 and injured more than 300 people, including many children. The attacker set off the bomb at the entrance to a popular kids' play area [1], according to the BBC.
On Monday morning, a faction of the Pakistani Taliban called Jamaat-ul-Ahrar took responsibility [2] for the attack, saying the bomber targeted the park because there would be a large Christian crowd. The regional government has announced three days of mourning.
Some have criticized the global response [3] to the attack, saying it hasn't received as much attention [4] as other Western tragedies like the terrorism that shook Brussels last week [5]. Still, many notable figures and social media users have expressed their support, and "Pakistan" has been trending on Twitter since the bombing.
#PrayForLahore [6] pic.twitter.com/I868IlAYQV [7]
— Malala Fund (@MalalaFund) March 28, 2016 [8]
Once again horrible news, this time in #Pakistan [9] and all I have to offer once again are my prayers.
— Eva Longoria (@EvaLongoria) March 28, 2016 [10]
Deeply saddened to hear about the Lahore attacks. We stand in solidarity against violence and senseless terrorism #PrayForLahore [11] #Lahore [12]
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 28, 2016 [13]
A time to show solidarity & unity 4 #peace [14] & prosperity. thoughts & prayers w victims & loved ones. #PrayForLahore [15] pic.twitter.com/j1ZKhW9EkY [16]
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) March 28, 2016 [17]
A human dies when you attack a person. Humanity dies when you attack a child. #PrayForLahore [18] pic.twitter.com/5Qa4pYrCCv [19]
— Lucas (@LHWCM_LFC93) March 28, 2016 [20]
Pope Francis also denounced the bombing on Monday, calling it vile and senseless. "Easter Sunday was bloodied by an abominable attack that massacred so many innocent people, for the most part families of the Christian minority, especially women and children, gathered in a public park to joyfully pass the Easter holiday," he said in St. Peter's Square [21], according to the Associated Press. He added the only way to achieve peace was through "respect and brotherhood."