Southwest Georgia Congressional delegation reacts to Brussels terrorist attacks

WASHINGTON — Members of the Southwest Georgia congressional delegation on Tuesday expressed sympathy for the victims of the terrorist attack in Brussels, Belgium, and reaffirmed U.S. support of the ally nation. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombings.

“Our prayers go out to the people of Belgium as they deal with terrorist attacks in their nation’s capital,” U.S. Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., said. “Too often, the world has witnessed violence at the hands of radical terrorists, and this ruthless enemy must be stopped.”

A member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Perdue said, “Our nation stands with our friend and ally, Belgium, to bring those responsible for these evil attacks to justice.”

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Albany, sent out a statement on Twitter. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Belgium and the families affected by the Brussels terrorist attacks,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, said on Twitter: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Brussels. The United States stands united with you against …,” which was linked to a CNN report about the attack.

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., also sent out an initial statement on Twitter, but later expanded his response.

“As we learn more about the senseless acts of terror that occurred in Brussels,” Isakson said, “we stand united with Belgium and all freedom-loving nations against these evil acts of violence.

“I have stated time and again that you cannot negotiate with someone who would cut off your head. ISIL must be dealt with by no other means than with the intention of eradicating them from the face of the Earth. Today’s attacks are a stark reminder that the threat of ISIL is not contained. It is past time for President Obama to stop dismissing ISIL and instead equip and enable our armed forces and our intelligence agencies to root out terrorists wherever they are.”

Isakson said, “Dianne and I send our thoughts and prayers to the families and victims of the Belgium attacks.”

Reuters reported Tuesday morning that at least 30 people were killed in terrorist attacks at the Brussels airport and a metro train. At least 10 were reported dead at the airport where two explosives were detonated, also injuring about 100. Twenty were killed in an explosion at the metro, with another 130 injured there. Belgian authorities had a suspect who they wear searching for Tuesday and said they found and destroyed a third bomb at the airport.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with his Belgian counterpart, Reuters reported, and they agreed that the attacks on Brussels airport and a metro train on Tuesday “underscored the need for a continued and concerted push by all nations to counter violent extremism,” the U.S. State Department said.