Peter Schorsch
Attackers detonated bombs at the airport and on a metro train beneath the European Union’s capital on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people and confirming the worst fears of European officials, who proclaimed the continent at war.
Here is a compilation of reactions by Florida politicians to the attacks:
U.S. Senator Bill Nelson:
“Now is the time for steady resolve as we continue to press against the scourge of terrorism. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims of today’s horrific attacks and their families. The bombings in Brussels are a reminder that we must remain vigilant and ‘if you see something, say something’.”
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio:
“This is the latest evidence that the civilized world is under siege from a determined enemy who exploits any openness in our societies to inflict the most harm possible on innocent civilians. My condolences to the families of those lost today and my prayers go out to all those who have been injured. The United States and Europe must be united in striking ISIS wherever they seek safe haven to dismantle this terrorist threat once and for all.”
Governor Rick Scott:
“Thoughts and prayers with the victims & their families in Brussels today. Thankful for our military and law enforcement for keeping us safe.”
Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Carlos Lopez-Cantera:
“Our prayers are with the people of Belgium and the victims of these horrific terrorist attacks in Brussels. These attacks of radical extremist terrorism are a painful reminder that the threat of ISIS continues to be a clear and present danger. As President Obama enjoys his Caribbean vacation in Cuba, which was until recently a state sponsor of terrorism, he has yet to outline any concrete plans for eliminating ISIS. We must develop a strategy where America leads and we work with our allies around the globe to wholly and completely wipe ISIS off the face of the planet.”
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor:
“As I have said before, nothing is more important than the safety of the families of my neighbors and all Americans. We must ensure that law enforcement, intelligence agencies and military service members have the tools they need to keep us safe. I will continue to work to provide the resources and the will to ourselves and our allies. We will keep America tough and smart and safe.”
U.S. Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate Ron DeSantis:
U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings:
“I am overcome with sadness and anger today, but take solace in knowing that those responsible for these cowardly attacks will be brought to swift and total justice. All of Europe was targeted by this morning’s savagery, yet the values that unite us remain unshaken. We will never relent in our fight against terrorism.”
U.S. Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate David Jolly:
“Today’s barbaric and unjustifiable attacks underscore the need for America and the world to stand united against terrorism. We also stand united in supporting the people of Belgium and send our deepest condolences to the victims impacted by these attacks. It is times like this that we remain resolved in our fight to protect and preserve the freedoms and liberties that are the foundation of the free world. Let us also be clear, the actions of ISIS or any other terror organization wishing to do harm to innocent people will not dim the light of democracy. These attacks are a solemn reminder that we face a real security threat and we must resolve to confront it before it again reaches our homeland.”
U.S. Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate Patrick Murphy:
“The American people stand in solidarity with Belgium today in condemning the terrorist attacks that struck Brussels this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of these bombings. Our international community must remain united and vigilant in combating extremism and terrorism wherever it occurs.”
U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney:
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those killed and injured today in Brussels,” Rooney said. “ISIS claimed responsibility for these attacks. It’s the latest in a systematic threat which ISIS leadership has been calling for for years, and it will not end here. Europe is the current battleground and will see more attacks like this and Paris. It will only be a matter of time before attacks like this are mounted on a much larger scale in the United States than what we saw in San Bernardino. ISIS has told us that is their goal. They have kept all of their promises so far, so I don’t know why we would ignore them now. We can either sit back and wait to be attacked or we can work with our allies to put an end to ISIS. That is our choice. So far we haven’t been up to the task, as evidence by Brussels this morning.”
House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, via Twitter:
“Praying for #Brussels today. The War on Terror is still very real, and it’s a war we can’t afford to lose.”
State Sen. Thad Altman, via Twitter:
“Prayers for the people of Brussels, Belgium, the victims and their families, following the attacks in their country.”
State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, via Twitter:
“My prayers are with the families affected by evil in Brussels today, and I thank our military for keeping us safe at home.”
State Rep. Matt Gaetz, Twitter:
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Brussels. America must stand united with our allies to wipe Islamic terrorism off the map.”
State Rep. Shevrin Jones, vai Twitter:
“Truth is, we have hateful people. We must pray for peace in our world. Prayers to the lives lost in Belgium.”
State Rep. Jeanette Nunez, via Twitter:
“My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of the terror attacks in #Brussels & #Belgium. May God give you comfort and peace.”
State Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, via Facebook:
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Belgian people and all those affected by today’s terror attacks. We must remain vigilant at home and abroad to prevent future acts of brutality.”
State Rep. Ross Spano, via Twitter:
“My thoughts and prayers go out to Brussels and the victims and families whose lives are forever changed by this unthinkable act of terrorism.”
U.S. Senate candidate Todd Wilcox:
“Our enemies are waging a war we must not continue to ignore,” said Wilcox. “The loss of life, the brutal injuries and the destruction that have rocked Brussels are unconscionable, and we as a people must decide that enough is enough.
“Their soldiers don’t march in lock step and they don’t answer to a single general. What they lack in conventional organization, they more than make up for in savagery and disregard for human life. Paris, San Bernardino and now Brussels – their only pattern is that of opportunities seized in the void of real American leadership.
“We are at war whether President Obama wants to admit it or not. Arab Sunni Islamic Terrorists have declared war on all of western society and America. The piece meal attempts to stave off ISIS expansion are not working. The Obama administration is erroneously focusing America’s diplomatic efforts to broker an ever elusive peace in Syria with total disregard for the realities on the ground and a naive assumption that removing Bashir Al Asad will somehow lead to ISIS abandoning their apocalyptic objectives. This isn’t leadership, it’s passive ignorance.”
The Florida GOP offered this image:
