At least 138 'million' people killed in Sri Lanka blasts: Trump tweets, withdraws it later
Washington [USA], Apr 21 (ANI): Extending his condolences over the loss of lives in the multiple blasts which shook Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, US President Donald Trump committed a gaffe by initially putting the death toll as "at least 138 million" people, only to delete the tweet after facing backlash from Twitter users.
ANI
Apr 21, 2019 17:56 IST
Washington [USA], Apr 21 (ANI): Extending his condolences over the loss of lives in the multiple blasts which shook Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, US President Donald Trump committed a gaffe by initially putting the death toll as "at least 138 million" people, only to delete the tweet after facing backlash from Twitter users.
"Heartfelt condolences from the people of the United States to the people of Sri Lanka on the horrible terrorist attacks on churches and hotels that have killed at least 138 million people and badly injured 600 more. We stand ready to help," the US President's now-deleted tweeted read.
Highlighting Trump's mistake, Twitter user 'Not Irene' wrote, "Fun fact: Sri Lanka's population is 21.44 million (2017)."
Another user Emily C. Singer tweeted, "The attacks in Sri Lanka were awful. But 138 million people did not die. That's like a nuclear holocaust situation."
Trump withdrew the post and issued a fresh tweet, which read: "138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more than 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!"
138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2019
Eight explosions rattled various suburbs in the Sri Lankan cities of Colombo, Negombo, Kochchikade and Batticaloa as the Christian community celebrated Easter Sunday. Over 150 people have died while more than 560 people have been injured. Out of the deceased, around 20 people have been identified as foreigners, reported CNN.
A 12-hour curfew will come into force in Sri Lanka on Sunday evening till 6 am on Monday in the wake of the devastating blasts, according to President's secretary, Udaya R. Seneviratne. Schools across the island nation will also remain shut until Wednesday due to security concerns.
No group has come forward to claim responsibility for the attacks. (ANI)
Get the App
