Shock, sadness on social media over massacre in France

Nearly everybody, ranging from politicians to celebrities, and ordinary people like us use social media, be it Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

The posts on social media yesterday, however, were sad – filled with condolences for the victims in Nice, France. Nearly 84 people were killed when a truck was driven at high speed through a crowd watching fireworks to mark Bastille Day on Thursday night.

@HillaryClinton said: “Every American stands in strong solidarity with the people of France. 

@GlynTDavies quoted US President Barack Obama saying: “We stand in solidarity with France, our oldest ally. Its resilience and democratic values inspire the world.”

Helmsley Building lit up the colors of the French flag in New York on July 15, 2016. A gunman smashed a truck into a crowd of revellers celebrating Bastille Day in the French Riviera city of Nice, killing at least 84 people in what President Francois Hollande on Friday called a "terrorist" attack. / AFP PHOTO / KENA BETANCUR

Gilles Garachon (@G_Garachon), French ambassador to Thailand, said: “Dear friends, thank you for your support. France has once again been attacked, but we will not yield. Our values remain as strong as ever.”

Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy Brey (@marianorajoy) posted: “Shocked by the news coming from Nice and I'm still concerned. My condolences to the victims and all the French people. MR”

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) said: “Canadians are shocked by tonight's attack in Nice. Our sympathy is with the victims and our solidarity with the French people.”

Thousands of ordinary folks, meanwhile, have been tweeting using hashtag #PrayForNice.

@MrScottEddy, a social media influencer for travel and global brand ambassador at Zipkick, said: “How do we kill all the hate in the world? It's something that baffles me every time I see this. #PrayForNice #France.” 

Faith in Humanity (@TheWorldImages), tweeted: “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. #PrayForNice.”

Frank Bruno MBE (@frankbrunoboxer), said: “Just awoken to read this... My heart sinks, terrorism has no religion! Pure evil #PrayForNice.”

The official Twitter account of Las Vegas City Hall, (@CityOfLasVegas) tweeted a photograph of the City Hall lit up in the colours of the French national flag. 

Simon Cowell (@JustSimonCowell), host of Britain's Got Talent, posted: “Another terrible tragedy for France. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Nice. #PrayForNice.”

Marc Márquez, (@marcmarquez93), said: “So sad to hear about the news in Nice. NO to terrorism all around the world. #PrayForNice.”

Jae Lee (@pixjaelee), staff photographer with the Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews), posted: “Another angle of #Dallas downtown skyline. #PrayForNice.”

Cameron Atfield, @CameronAtfield, tweeted photographs of Brisbane lit up in the French colours of red, white and blue – a gesture that was slammed by the city’s mayor #Nice. 

Natacha FJ (@FjNatacha), tweeted: “The absolute horror, 84 dead, 14 children ... stunned, shocked.”

MTV UK (@MTVUK) asked: “When will it end?”

As for the cynics, they shared an image depicting the cycle of attack and sympathy, as in an attack leads to sympathy and when things return to normal another attack takes place. 

@BeingLiberal tweeted: “Can we try something else? Clearly #prayfornice doesn’t work…”

Meanwhile, mobile-phone service providers in Thailand have also sent their condolences and are allowing free calls for people to contact their relatives and friends. 

For instance, Advanced Info Service (AIS) customers who have activated their roaming service can call the Thai embassy in Paris for free from yesterday to Sunday. 

The embassy can be reached at +33603599705 and +33646719694. Customers can also make calls to enquire or request emergency support from AIS call centre (02) 271 9000 any time of the day or night during the same period.