Trump mistakenly tweets millions dead in Sri Lanka explosions on Easter Sunday
In expressing his condolences to those impacted by the Sri Lanka blasts, President Donald Trump initially claimed incorrectly that millions had died in the South Asia country on Easter Sunday.
At least 138 people were killed in what appears to be coordinated attacks as the death toll is expected to increase, according to multiple media reports. Hundreds were wounded in a series of explosions that targeted churches and hotels frequented by tourists around the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, the Associated Press and CNN report.
Trump offered support for Sri Lanka in the early morning tweet. "Heartfelt condolences from the people of the United States to the people of Sri Lanka on the horrible terrorist attacks on churches and hotels that have killed at least 138 million people and badly injured 600 more. We stand ready to help," the president said.
The president deleted the original tweet and added a corrected version with the nearly 140 people dead figure in the blasts.
Trump's tweets come hours after Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe issued his own statement on Twitter cautioning against spreading unverified reports.
"I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation," Wickremesinghe said. "The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation."
138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2019
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump mistakenly tweets millions dead in Sri Lanka explosions on Easter Sunday