US condemns ‘despicable’ Norway violence

Government buildings in Oslo suffered serious damage from a bomb blast © AFP/SCANPIX Berit Roald

AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States on Friday condemned the “despicable” blast that tore through government buildings in Norway’s capital Oslo and said it was ready to provide assistance if requested.

“We condemn these despicable acts of violence,” State Department spokeswoman Heide Bronke Fulton told AFP. “Our hearts are with the victims and their families, and we have reached out to the Norwegian government to express our condolences.”

Fulton said that the embassy in Oslo has urged all US citizens to avoid downtown Oslo and to “remain vigilant and aware of surroundings.” She said that the United States was not aware of any casualties or injuries to US citizens.

“The US has reached out to the Norwegian authorities to offer assistance, but there have been no specific requests from the Norwegians thus far,” Fulton said.

President Barack Obama was briefed about the violence by John Brennan, his top adviser on counter-terrorism, White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said.

US officials deferred to Norwegian authorities as to the cause of the blast. Norwegian police said that a bomb was suspected but that it was unclear who was responsible.

Norwegian media reported that at least two people died. Separately, a man disguised as a police officer opened fire at a youth meeting of the ruling party that Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg had earlier been scheduled to attend.

© AFP — Published at Activist Post with license