LONDON – As people still gripped with the aftermath of London attack, many have come to the defense of London Mayor Sadiq Khan who was targeted in a tweet by US President Donald Trump, taking the Mayor’s quote out of its context.
“At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is ‘no reason to be alarmed!’” Trump tweeted Sunday morning.
The claimed comment by Khan, London’s first Muslim mayor, was part of his statement after the attack.
He told Londoners not to be alarmed by increased police presence in the streets after Saturday night’s terror attack.
He also said that to allow the disruption of daily life and the general election on Thursday is exactly what terrorists aim to accomplish.
“Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days,” Khan said. “No reason to be alarmed.”
Khan dismissed criticism from US President Donald Trump over his response to Saturday’s terror attack.
The mayor’s team said he had “more important things to do than respond to Mr Trump”, who had “deliberately” taken his remarks “out of context”.
“The Mayor is busy working with the police, emergency services and the government to co-ordinate the response to this horrific and cowardly terrorist attack and provide leadership and reassurance to Londoners and visitors to our city,” Khan’s spokesperson added.
People on social media considered Trump’s tweet a “shameful” attack on the mayor after the tragedy, with many prominent figures defended Khan against distorted tweet by Trump.
It’s called ‘leadership’, Donald. The terrorists were dead 8 minutes after police got the call. If we need an alarmist blowhard, we’ll call. https://t.co/NUiy9j4fBt
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 4, 2017
Mayor @SadiqKhan said no reason to be alarmed about increased police presence: https://t.co/kwjeXuMl78 https://t.co/SiYfEhXKNk
— Christiane Amanpour (@camanpour) June 4, 2017
7 deaths: advocate panic. Existential threat of climate change: meh. https://t.co/4rxCynDP9p
— Sean Biggerstaff (@Seanchuckle) June 4, 2017
” no reason to be alarmed by increased police presence, ” the mayor said. https://t.co/ZKnD2X6q1z
— Ceylan Yeginsu (@CeylanWrites) June 4, 2017
And in the rest of the quote the mayor of London said what? This is either crass stupidity or deliberate distortion. Either way, shameful. https://t.co/VBK3KRoBHa
— jon henley (@jonhenley) June 4, 2017
Oh do please just fuck off and mind your own business. We will be just fine and @SadiqKhan is absolutely right.
— Andy Pryor C.D.G. (@pryorandy) June 4, 2017
London’s pride towards our Mayor should only be matched by the United States’ shame towards their President https://t.co/mJgtzVAixP
— Owen Jones (@OwenJones84) June 4, 2017
How dare you attack our Mayor. Britain is meant to be your closest ally, but instead you’re taking swipes on social media. Ridiculous.
— Mike P Williams (@Mike_P_Williams) June 4, 2017
.@realDonaldTrump has of course taken this quote out of context. It’s re. increased police presence following the attacks. #fakenews
— Emily Berrington (@BerringtonEmily) June 4, 2017
Trump and Khan have clashed several times in the past.
During the US presidential campaign last year, Trump first proposed the ban on Muslims entering the US, but suggested he could make an exception for Khan, who is London’s first Muslim mayor.
Khan rejected the offer, saying: “It’s not about me, it’s about my friends, family and others from all around the world.”
Khan also accused Trump of being “ignorant” about Islam and making both the US and UK “less safe”.
Trump responded by challenging Khan to an IQ test, and said he was offended by Khan, adding: “He doesn’t know me, never met me… I will remember those statements.”