A terrorist attack that left more than 20 dead and at least 59 injured, many among them children, in Manchester, England, last night sent shockwaves around the world.
Much like Paris before it, where concertgoers at the Bataclan venue were attacked in November 2015, the reaction on social media was swift. Grande, herself, posted an emotional message on Twitter.
broken.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 23, 2017
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.
Fellow musicians, celebrities, actors, world leaders, and politicians also took to Twitter to express their condolences and dream of a better world.
Read More: More than 20 Killed, Dozens Wounded After Explosion at Ariana Grande Concert in Manchester
Beyond offering thoughts and prayers, some expressed the need for music to remain a space of openness and understanding amidst rising global tensions. “Music should never be a channel for hatred,” Dan Reynolds, lead vocalist of Imagine Dragons wrote. “It is the language of love and life.”
Others lamented the state of the world. “I don’t wanna believe that the world we live in could be so cruel,” wrote Bruno Mars.
Here are some of the many messages sent out to the victims of the attacks:
Praying for the beautiful souls we lost, their families and loved ones, for the survivors who will forever be impacted by this #Manchester
— Rihanna (@rihanna) May 23, 2017
I'm heartbroken over what happened in Manchester tonight.
— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) May 23, 2017
Sending love to everyone involved. H
My thoughts, prayers and tears for all those affected by the Manchester tragedy tonight. I'm sending all my love.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) May 23, 2017
Broken hearted for the families tonight. Broken hearted for Ari. Broken hearted for the state of this world. 😔
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) May 23, 2017
Our hearts are with Manchester #PrayForManchesterpic.twitter.com/bGtbZvSBfw
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) May 23, 2017
Tearing up imagining innocent concert goers losing their lives.. praying for everyone and all #arianators. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) May 22, 2017
Sending love to the U.K., @ArianaGrande and all of her supporters who were caught up in this awful attack. Heartbreaking.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 23, 2017
my heart breaks for the lives lost in Manchester. music should never be a channel for hatred. it is the language of love and life. it brings
— Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) May 23, 2017
Remember the thrill of your very first concert? The buzz of the crowd. The music loud. A place to trust. To be free. Not this. #Manchester
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) May 23, 2017
Sending prayers to Manchester.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) May 23, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with @ArianaGrande and everyone who was hurt at the concert in Manchester.. what is happening to the world..
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) May 23, 2017
Speechless and sad. Sending love and strength to Manchester. We are all with you. 💔
— BANKS (@hernameisbanks) May 23, 2017
No one should go to a concert and never come home 💔
— Olly Murs (@ollyofficial) May 22, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected in Manchester.
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) May 23, 2017
Sending you so much love. https://t.co/tEtfa90NrS
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) May 23, 2017
Sending love and condolences to the good people of #Manchester .
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) May 23, 2017
Up early & ready about what happened in Manchester. This is truly so senseless & heart breaking. My heart goes out to everyone involved
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 23, 2017
Sickening sickening sickening how someone can do such thing!!! 😠#Manchester#ManchesterArena#manchesterattack#attackonhumanity
— Maher Zain (@MaherZain) May 23, 2017
Touched especially by all those queuing up to give blood. Manchester has truly shown what a strong and compassionate place it is. #LoveWins
— Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) May 23, 2017
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO PPL OF MANCHESTER…HAD SPECIAL TIMES THERE FROM YOUTH & BEYOND
— Cher (@cher) May 22, 2017
No words can describe how I feel about what happened in Manchester. I don't wanna believe that the world we live in could be so cruel.
— Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) May 23, 2017
My heart hurts for my sister, Ariana & every family affected by this tragic event in the U.K. Innocent lives lost. I'm so sorry to hear this
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) May 23, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this horrific act in Manchester. We need to do better. We need to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) May 23, 2017
every musician feels sick & responsible tonight—shows should be safe for you. truly a worst nightmare. sending love to manchester & ari
— Lorde (@lorde) May 23, 2017