Singapore condemns senseless shootings in Munich: PM Lee

Flowers are placed near the Olympia shopping mall, where a shooting rampage started in Munich, on July 23, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS

SINGAPORE - Brutal terrorist attacks in recent months happening one after another puts Singaporeans "at risk of becoming numbed", Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Saturday (July 23).

"We have seen so many brutal terrorist attacks in recent months, one after another,'' he wrote in a Facebook post after the Munich attacks.

"We are at risk of becoming numbed, and have to remind ourselves of the terrible human tragedy each time."

PM Lee said Singapore condemns the "senseless act" and sent his deep condolences to the families of the victims.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Germany during this time," he said.

On Friday, a gunman in Munich went on a rampage and killed at least 10 people in a shopping mall.

The attacks by an 18-year-old German-Iranian man was the third against civilians in Western Europe in eight days.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said he was "saddened by yet another vicious attack on innocents".

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have lost their loved ones to this attack. We hope that the injured will have a speedy recovery," he wrote on Facebook.

Mr Lee also sent a letter of condolence to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.


Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel

23 July 2016

Dear Chancellor Merkel,

I am deeply shocked by the tragic shooting in Munich on 22 July 2016 that has resulted in the loss of innocent lives and many injuries. We wish those injured a speedy recovery.
On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We condemn this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts are with the people of Germany.


Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

Her Excellency Dr Angela Merkel
Federal Chancellor
Federal Republic of Germany

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