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Trump's began tweeting about the attack in the afternoon, writing, \"In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person,\" Trump wrote on Twitter. \"Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!\"

In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017

The attack took place on a bike path on Manhattan's West Side just after 3 p.m. The suspect, Sayfullo Saipov, 29, of Tampa, Florida, was taken into custody. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declared the incident a \"cowardly act of terror\" at a press conference.

The president later posted another tweet to offer his \"thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families\" affected by the attack. \"God and your country are with you!\" he said.

My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack. God and your country are with you!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017

The president also tweeted: \"We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!\"

We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017

The White House later released an official statement from the president on the attack.

\"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of today’s terrorist attack in New York City and their families. My administration will provide its full support to the New York City Police Department, including through a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation,\" the statement said. \"We offer our thanks to the first responders who stopped the suspect and rendered immediate aid to the victims of this cowardly attack. These brave men and women embody the true American spirit of resilience and courage. I will continue to follow developments closely.\"

Shortly after Trump's first tweet, Vice President Mike Pence added that he was \"saddened by the tragedy in NYC\" and that \"those responsible must be held accountable.\"

Saddened by the tragedy in NYC. Our prayers are w/the victims, their families & first responders. Those responsible must be held accountable

— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 31, 2017

First lady Melania Trump tweeted, \"My heart breaks for #NYC today. Thoughts & prayers as we monitor the situation.\"

My heart breaks for #NYC today. Thoughts & prayers as we monitor the situation.

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) October 31, 2017

Former New York Sen. Hillary Clinton tweeted, \"New York's resilience is stronger than a cowardly act of terror. Thinking of the victims, their families, & the responders who saved lives.\"

New York's resilience is stronger than a cowardly act of terror. Thinking of the victims, their families, & the responders who saved lives.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 1, 2017

Sen John Neely Kennedy, R-La., praised police officers for their swift response to the attack in comments made to reporters at the Capitol.

“I know law enforcement is concentrating on it. But I don’t know how you stop something like that,” Kennedy said in a speech on the senate floor. “You can’t assign a police officer to every American.”

“There just a lot of people in the world who are bad. I wish that weren’t the case,” he added. “They’re not shocked. They’re not confused. They’re not mixed up. They’re just plain damn bad.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said she was keeping the victims and first responders in her thoughts.

Keeping the victims, first responders, & people of NY in our thoughts tonight. We will not let terrorism or fear divide us. #NYCStrong

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) October 31, 2017

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said his “thoughts and prayer are with the victims in New York.”

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims in New York. Grateful for our brave first responders.

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) October 31, 2017

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., celebrated the NYPD and first responders for their “quick actions.”

Devastated to hear this news out of New York City. We stand with you.

— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) October 31, 2017

Keeping those killed and injured in NYC in my prayers. Thankful for the quick actions of the NYPD and first responders.

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 31, 2017

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., sent prayers and condolences to those impacted by the \"tragic\" attack.

We are praying for the victims of the tragic terror attack in New York City and thank law enforcement officials for their swift response.

— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) October 31, 2017
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