After Terror Attacks In Brussels, The Internet Pushes Back With Support
We are Brussels 🇧🇪
After a series of early-morning explosions in Brussels, Belgium today (two at the international airport and one in a subway station), the Internet has exploded with support.
As of 10am on March 22, 2016, 28 people have been killed, and at least 136 others were injured in the attacks.
Politicians made statements of solidarity, including President Obama, broadcasting from Cuba: "This is yet another reminder that the world must unite...regardless of nationality or race or faith, in fighting against the scourge of terrorism."
Though Donald Trump managed to focus this tragedy on his own political agenda (surprise, surprise).
In the immediate aftermath, locals started using the hashtags #PortOuverte, #OpenHouse and #OpenDoor to coordinate safe and welcoming havens for those in need.
Elsewhere in the city, people took to the sidewalk, inscribing hopeful messages like, "We are one" and "We are Belgium."
Nearby, others arranged flowers and candles to pay homage to those killed in the attacks.
On the evening of the attacks, the Eiffel Tower was also lit with the colors of the Belgian flag.
And France shared a powerful cartoon symbolizing its citizens standing in solidarity with Belgium.
More beautiful, powerful images are circulating on social media.
"Thoughts for Brussels and all of Belgium"
People invoked Brussels' emblematic Manneken Pis to capture the general reaction to the attacks.
“Manneken Pis is the symbol of the rebellious spirit of #Brussels. This Manneken will not stop pissing!”
Some cartoons depicted the boy crying instead.
Others replaced "Pis" with "Peace," in an artistic deviation.
And someone brilliantly made Belgian fries into a middle finger, to stick it to masterminds behind the senseless attacks.
Uber even showed their support by changing the color of their car icons to the Belgian flag throughout European cities.