US President Barack Obama has been briefed on a deadly attack in the French city of Nice, the White House says. After a truck rammed into people celebrating the French National Day, commonly known as the Bastille Day, US National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said Obama had been notified of the attack. “The president has been apprised of the situation in Nice, France, and his national security team will update him, as appropriate,” Price said.

Later, Obama released a statement, saying, “I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack.” He added that the he has been in touch with French officials and “offered any assistance that they may need to investigate this attack.” “We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack,” stated the US president. “On this Bastille Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience and Democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world, and we know that the character of the French republic will endure long after this devastating and tragic loss of life.”

US Secretary of State John Kerry also released a statement, censuring those behind the “horrendous” attack. “Today’s horrendous attack in Nice is an attack against innocent people on a day that celebrates Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity,” it read. I was proud to stand alongside French leaders earlier today at Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, and the United States will continue to stand firmly with the French people during this time of tragedy. We will provide whatever support is needed.

Republican candidate Donald Trump was another high-profile American to react to the attack. “Another horrific attack, this time in Nice, France. Many dead and injured. When will we learn? It is only getting worse,” he said in a tweet. In another tweet, Trump postponed a news conference concerning his vice presidential announcement.

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