Palm Sunday Bombings in Egypt Injure 144
The latest in a string of bombings across the globe struck a pair of churches in Egypt.
Security forces examine the scene inside the St. Mark Cathedral in central Cairo, following a bombing that killed dozens of people. A 20-minute video from an Islamic State affiliate in Egypt showed the suicide bomber who attacked the church and who vowed more attacks on the country’s Christian minority. The video said Christians are the extremist group’s “favorite prey.”
April 12, 2017
The blasts occurred at the start of Holy Week and just days before Easter on Sunday, April 9. At least 144 people were injured or pronounced dead following the attacks at two Catholic churches near Alexandria and Tanta, Egypt.
Sunday’s first attack was at St. George Church where 27 people were killed and 78 others wounded, according to a source from Fox News. World-wide news stations showed video footage of the aftermath of the church, revealing what some believe to be lifeless bodies covered with papers; ones who were singing hymns just minutes before the bombs went off.
The second explosion was reported as completed by a suicide bomber who belonged to Egypt’s Interior Ministry. The bomber went to St. Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt. This attack ended with at least 17 dead and 48 injured. ISIS claimed responsibility to these attacks following a newly released video about increasing attacks against Christians.
“I’m disappointed that the bombings are still happening,” junior Amy Vazquez said. “I also think they are spreading faster into more countries.”
According to CNN, Egypt’s President, El-Sisi, declared a state of emergency after the two bombings on the Coptic Christian churches. The three-month state of emergency is a measure that helps restore past terror and prevent future attacks. Additionally, the Egyptian Cabinet plans to compensate 100,000 Egyptian pounds ($5,530) to each of the families affected by the bombings. Egyptian Christians are known to be a religious minority; a main target for ISIS members. Junior Lauren Annunzio believes the religious intoleration is getting out of hand.
“It’s getting very out of hand,” Annunzio said. “It’s scary that it’s so easy for that to happen and how much others don’t tolerate other people’s religion.”
The White House spoke out on Monday, addressing how President Trump spoke to President El-Sisi, sending condolences to those affected and support towards Sisi’s ability to protect Christians in Egypt.
