Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier sent a message of condolence to the President of the United States of America of following the terrorist attack in his country. It reads as follows:

I followed the news of the terror attack in New York City with horror. On behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, allow me to express my profound sympathy and our solidarity to you and all Americans. In particular, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victims’ families and friends and the many people injured

This despicable attack is the latest in a series of attempts to poison our freedom-loving way of life through hatred and violence. I firmly believe that these attempts will be doomed to failure if we stand united and do not allow ourselves to be deterred in our commitment to fostering open societies.