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Reaction to Barcelona attack

Spain flag, three dimensional render, satin texture

By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter

Thursday, August 17, 2017, US Representative Bradley Byrne and US Senate candidate, former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore expressed their condolences to the people of Spain after ISIS attacked pedestrians in Barcelona  with bus attacks.

Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) said on social media, “My heart breaks for the people of Spain following today’s terror attack in Barcelona, and my prayers are with all those who lost loved ones or suffered injuries. The entire world must continue to band together to defeat radical Islamic terrorism.”

Former Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore (R) similarly said on social media, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families in this latest attack by radical Islamic terrorists. We must renew our commitment to fighting this evil, protect Americans and defeat those who would make war on America and her allies.”

President Trump said on Twitter, “The United States condemns the terrorist attack on Barcelona Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough & strong. we love you.”

Trump has reportedly spoken with Spanish President Mariano Rajoy on Friday to offer condolences following the deadly terrorist attack on Barcelona and the seaside resort town of Cambrils Spain on Thursday.

A van rammed into dozens of people in a popular pedestrian area of the city on Thursday in what authorities are calling a terrorist attack.  The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS has taken credit for the attack) which Spanish officials reported left more than a dozen dead and 50 others injured.

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According to original reporting by the ‘Daily Telegraph’s Hannah Strange, five members of the terror cell which carried out the attacks were killed by Spanish police in Cambrils late on Thursday night in street fighting with the armed terrorists who appeared to be wearing suicide vests.  The attack by police also killed one woman and injured several others. Moussa Oukabir, 17, Mohammed Hychami, 23 and Said Aallaa, 19, all believed to be of Moroccan origin, have been officially identified as among the attackers killed. The other two have been named by Spanish press as Omar Hychami, Mohammed’s brother, and Houssaine Aouyaaquoub, who is presumed to be a family member of Younes Aouyaaquoub, the suspected driver of the Ramblas van who remains on the run.  Police have also raided the home of Imam Abdelbaki Es Satty, who is linked to the terror cell.  There are unconfirmed reports that Es Satty has also been killed.

The State Department says at least one American was killed and one injured in the attacks.

The department said Friday that diplomats from the US consulate in Barcelona are working with local authorities to identify victims and provide assistance to Americans.

Congressman Bradley Byrne represents Alabama’s First Congressional District.

Judge Roy Moore is running against Sen. Luther Strange in the Republican Primary runoff election on September 26 for the seat formerly held by Jeff Sessions.

Brandon Moseley is a former reporter at the Alabama Political Reporter.

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