Grande had just finished her concert when two explosions happened
Nineteen people are confirmed dead and 50 others injured at what Manchester, England Police state is a “terrorist incident until police know otherwise” during an Ariana Grande concert. Two explosions, described as nail bombs, rocked the Manchester Arena Monday night (May 22nd) as the concert ended. The bomber was reportedly waiting near an exit area as people were leaving the building.
According to CNN, Manchester Police posted an emergency message on their Facebook page. “Emergency services are currently responding to reports of an explosion at Manchester Arena. There are a number of confirmed fatalities and others injured. Please AVOID the area as first responders work tirelessly at the scene,” they state.
Grande was reportedly not injured as she had left the stage prior to the incident. The concert was the first of three planned UK concerts by the pop star on her European and Latin American tour. TMZ reports that the singer has “indefinitely suspended” her world tour in wake of the bombings. Sources tell the publication that Grande will no longer perform in London on Thursday (May 25th). She was due to perform in England, Belgium, Poland, Germany and Switzerland.
Grande tweeted earlier tonight, “broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words.”
broken.
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 23, 2017
Grande isn’t the first artist to have a terrorist attack happen at a concert. In November 2015, The Eagles of Death Metal barely escaped the stage as an armed gunman took 100 patrons hostage during a show in Paris, France. This was one of several terrorist attacks throughout the city during that time. U2 was scheduled to play the same night not far from the venue. Both concerts were canceled with U2 rescheduling and inviting the Eagles of Death Metal members to join them when they returned.
Our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families in Manchester.
Katy Perry is among the celebrities expressing their concern on social media. She wrote, “Praying for everyone at @ArianaGrande‘s show” on Twitter about an hour after the news broke.
Praying for everyone at @ArianaGrande's show
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) May 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/MarenMorris/status/866798730183417856
https://twitter.com/taylorswift13/status/866824457050099712
Our hearts are aching Lord, be near. Hold Manchester in the palm of Your hand and comfort all who are afraid and mourning. 💔
— Hillary Scott (@HillaryScottLA) May 23, 2017
Wow, our hearts go out to everyone affected by the explosion in Manchester.
— Papa Roach (@paparoach) May 23, 2017
Very young people just learning the joy of coming together for live music. This should not be part of their lesson. #manchester
— Record Store Day (@recordstoreday) May 23, 2017
.@NikkiSixx on the #Manchester tragedy >> https://t.co/2atEskaVtb
— Sixx Sense (@SixxSense) May 23, 2017
I am truly so sorry about what has happened in Manchester tonight. Unthinkable events. All my love to the families affected.
— Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) May 23, 2017
I'm heartbroken over what happened in Manchester tonight.
Sending love to everyone involved. H— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) May 23, 2017
Horrific and heartbreaking. My heart breaks for the victims and families of this senseless tragedy. #Manchester
— JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) May 23, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Manchester tonight.
— Island Records (@IslandRecords) May 23, 2017
Incredibly broken and devastated to hear about the Manchester bombing. Spread love… this world is in desperate need. #manchester
— Lennon and Maisy (@lennonandmaisy) May 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/lorde/status/866822912673628162
https://twitter.com/kimberlyperry/status/866822761737580544
Sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone in Manchester tonight.
— Easton Corbin (@eastoncorbin) May 23, 2017
Sending light to everyone in Manchester who was at the @ArianaGrande show. I am at a loss for any more words.
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) May 23, 2017
Condolences & Prayers of STRENGTH & LIGHT To The Victims & Families involved in The Attack in Manchester- tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/GC0R6T6C1c
— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) May 23, 2017
Praying for the victims and their families. Praying for our whole world.
— Krystal Keith (@KrystalKeith) May 23, 2017
Can't find the right words, just sadness. Prayers are with Manchester.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) May 23, 2017