President Obama on Nice attack: “the character of the French Republic will endure”

President Barack Obama gave his vote of confidence in the "character of the French Republic" to overcome the tragic attack in Nice, France, Thursday, after a truck drove into a crowd of Bastille Day revelers, killing more than 70 and leaving many more injured.

"On Bastille Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world, and we know that the character of the French Republic will endure long after this devastating and tragic loss of life," Obama said in a statement condemning the attack.

Obama said the United States has offered its resources to investigate the attack. At around 11:30 pm local time, a truck drove into a crowd of people watching fireworks on the beach for Bastille Day, France’s national holiday, crushing revelers over a stretch of approximately 1.2 miles. Shots were also reportedly fired, and the driver of the truck was eventually killed by police.

The incident is being investigated as a terror attack, though it is still very early in the investigation. If it was indeed a terror attack, it would be the third mass-casualty attack in France since terrorists targeted the satirical publication Charlie Hebdo in January 2015.

Will you support Vox’s explanatory journalism?

Millions turn to Vox to educate themselves, their family, and their friends about what’s happening in the world around them, and to learn about things that spark their curiosity. Financial contributions from our readers are a critical part of supporting our resource-intensive work and help us keep our journalism free for all. Please consider making a one-time contribution to Vox today.

One-Time Monthly Annual

$95/year

$120/year

$250/year

$350/year

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $120/year

Yes, I'll give $120/year

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via