US President Barack Obama has condemned the brutal killing of a British soldier by two assailants in south-east London, saying that there can be no justification for such an act.
"I condemn in the strongest terms the appalling attack against a British service member in Woolwich on May 22," Obama said in a statement yesterday, adding that the US stands resolute with the United Kingdom against violent extremism and terror.
"There can be absolutely no justification for such acts, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim, the police and security services responding to this horrific act and the communities they serve, and the British people," he said.
"Our special relationship with the United Kingdom is especially important during times of trial, and I look forward to my trip to the United Kingdom to participate in the June G-8 Summit, hosted by Prime Minister Cameron, which will include discussions on the important global security challenges our countries face together," Obama said.
Meanwhile, several other groups continued to condemn the killing of the British soldier. Two men have been accused of butchering the soldier, 25-year-old Drummer Lee Rigby, with knives and a meat cleaver on a London street while horrified bystanders watched.
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) expressed its shock over the horrific act of two men in London.
"This terrorist act has nothing to do with Islam and are the consequence of sick and angry minds who are sometimes brainwashed by extremist groups into thinking that by their violent revenge for the deaths of civilian casualties in places like Afghanistan and Iraq are somehow helpful for Muslims," said Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, president of Muslim Peace Coalition USA.
Condemning the killing, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reiterated its strong and unwavering position against all forms of terror.
