The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
A look at what's happened since the terrorist attacks in Brussels on March 22, 2016.
Speaking in Cuba yesterday, President Obama made a statement on horrific bombings at the Brussels airport and Maelbeek metro station in Belgium:
"The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the people of Belgium" —@POTUS on the attacks in #Brussels https://t.co/TWxnIDfDqL
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 22, 2016
The President also reflected on the strength and resiliency of people's responses to horrific attacks like these -- be it Boston, Paris, or Brussels.
"The whole premise of terrorism is to try to disrupt people's ordinary lives. And one of my most powerful memories and one of my proudest moments as President was watching Boston respond after the marathon. ... That is the kind of resilience and the kind of strength that we have to continually show in the face of these terrorists."President Obama
Today, Vice President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden visited the Belgian Embassy in the U.S. to offer condolences to the victims and their families on behalf of the American people.
"Remember the incredible courage of the Belgian people during World War II. The incredible stamina. Nothing's changed. On behalf of the President, I can say that we are prepared to provide any and all information, capability, technology – anything we have that can be value-added to their fight. And they will prevail. They have backbones like ramrods … they’re not letting terrorism win."Vice President Biden
In a Proclamation, President Obama ordered that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in the U.S. and around the world to honor the victims of the attack. You can read the full proclamation here.
The American people stand with the people of Brussels. We will do whatever it takes, working with nations and peoples around the world, to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice, and to go after terrorists who threaten our people
As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 22, 2016, in Brussels,Belgium, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, March 26, 2016. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
Before his remarks yesterday, President Obama spoke with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel by phone. Here's a readout of their call:
Secretary Kerry spoke by phone with his counterpart in Brussels as well, expressing his condolences and ensuring that the U.S. will support Brussels in its investigation.
We stand w/Belgium & Europe in the face of this tragedy. Attacks like these only deepen shared resolve to defeat terrorism around the world.
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) March 22, 2016
The State Department also released the following information for U.S. citizens in Brussels.
US citizens injured by attacks in #Brussels should call Belgian crisis center at 1771 or US Embassy at 028114000
— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) March 22, 2016
