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At approximately 10:30 p.m local time on May 22, an improvised explosive device tore open the night at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Those targeted were the happy concertgoers attending pop star Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman” tour, who were currently exiting the venue after her performance.
In the hours since, more than 20 victims have been confirmed dead — with dozens more injured — while a city has been shuttered and the militant jihadist organization, the Islamic State, has claimed responsibility for the unthinkable events that have unfolded.
But, in the midst of terror, hope is not lost. The brave residents of Manchester have come out, in their grief, and shown their respects for the victims. A makeshift floral tribute has begun at St. Ann’s Square, where dozens of bouquets have been lain in honor and memory of those killed in the attack. Handwritten notes expressing love and support accompany the blooms, with drawings of hearts and other sentiments.
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Notes and cards were left at the site of the makeshift memorial on May 23. People have been going to St. Ann’s Square throughout the day to pay their respects. Small crowds have gathered to quietly place flowers and other items on the sidewalk throughout the day.
“Stay strong, the people of Manchester will never walk alone,” one reads.
“Ariana We [Heart] You” read a brightly-colored sign. Many people have been showing love for the pop star who was “in hysterics” following last night’s attack. Grande took to Twitter to post that she was “broken,” shortly after the blasts.
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In the face of death and mayhem, Manchester extends its heart and offers its hand. Flowers are arranged as people solemnly pay their respects to those affected by the May 22 bombing at Manchester arena.
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Police officers are seen moving flowers, notes, cards, and candles in St Ann’s Square in Manchester on May 23, 2017. Dozens of people gathered around to read some of the notes left in memory of the bombing victims.
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People in Manchester were seen leaving bouquets of flowers in St. Ann’s Square following a suicide attack at Manchester Arena on May 22. Dozens of flowers lined the side of a building and laid on the sidewalk by mid-day.
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A woman is seen bringing bouquets of flowers to the makeshift memorial as a sign of respect to the victims of the May 22 Manchester Arena bombing. She and several others visited the memorial site on Tuesday.
“An 8-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman have been named as the first victims of the attack, which has drawn condemnation and horror from around the world as a heinous assault targeting children,” according to CNN.
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A woman dressed in black walks past bouquets of flowers left in St. Ann’s Square in Manchester on May 23.
“We struggle to comprehend the warped and twisted mind that sees a room packed with young children not a scene to cherish but as an opportunity for carnage,” British Prime Minister Theresa May said.
