U.S. President Donald Trump said: ‘Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against terrorism’
Terrorists shot dead 26 tourists at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22, with the region’s chief minister calling the attackers “inhuman.”
The gunmen also wounded dozens of people, including two senior police officers, during the attack in Baisaran meadow, three miles from the resort town of Pahalgam.
The chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, posted on social media platform X on April 22: “I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt.”
I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination. The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I’ve spoken to my colleague @sakinaitoo…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 22, 2025
Trump Offers ‘Full Support’
U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against terrorism.
“We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies.”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance is in India on a four-day visit, having arrived in New Delhi on April 21 and met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Vance wrote on X: “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”
Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack. https://t.co/cUAyMXje5A
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 22, 2025
The Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that Modi was cutting short a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and returning to New Delhi on April 22.
The meadow at Baisaran, which is surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped mountains, is a popular destination that is visited by hundreds of tourists every day.
At least 24 bodies were found in the aftermath of the attack, and two people died en route to the hospital.
Terrorist groups—some, such as the Islamist Lashkar-e-Taiba, want to join Pakistan, and others want independence for Kashmir—have, in the past, attacked the Indian military and security forces, but the April 22 incident appears to be the first attack on tourists.
