Vice President JD Vance’s ongoing trip to India took a tragic turn on Tuesday when a gunman opened fire on a group of tourists, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 people.
The attack occurred as Vance was in India to strengthen diplomatic ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advance discussions on a potential trade deal between the two nations.
Gunmen Open Fire in Popular Tourist Spot
Vance had just wrapped up his meeting with Modi the previous day and was touring the northwestern city of Jaipur on Tuesday.
His visit was part of a four-day diplomatic trip to India.
Tragically, the peaceful atmosphere of the trip was shattered by an attack in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
Around Tuesday afternoon, a group of militants launched a gun attack on tourists in the popular summer destination of Pahalgam, a town located approximately 55 miles from Srinagar.
Initial reports suggest that four militants, believed to be insurgents fighting against Indian rule, opened fire at close range.
While the Indian police reported 24 fatalities, local news outlets speculate that the death toll could rise to between 26 and 30 as some of the injured remain in critical condition.
According to Indian media, the attackers initially asked the tourists to show their identity cards before opening fire.
World Leaders React to the Devastation
In response to the attack, former President Donald Trump expressed his sorrow, calling the incident “deeply disturbing.”
He posted on Truth Social, “We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured.”
Prime Minister Modi also condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act” and vowed that the attackers would be brought to justice.
He added, “Their evil agenda will never succeed,” emphasizing India’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts.
Vice President Vance, visibly shaken by the event, shared his condolences in a post, expressing his sorrow over the tragedy.
He wrote, “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India.
the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”
Chilling Aftermath and Personal Stories
The horror of the attack was further highlighted by chilling footage that emerged on social media.
The footage showed several victims lying on the ground, some critically injured, with loved ones kneeling beside them and screaming for help.
One woman’s desperate cry for her husband, “Please save my husband. For God’s sake, save him,” was heard in the distressing footage.
Indian Leaders Condemn the Attack
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the assault as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” stressing the scale and brutality of the attack.
He stated that the death toll was still being verified but confirmed the extent of the tragedy.
Abdullah condemned the attackers as “animals” and “inhuman,” stating that such acts of violence were worthy of nothing but contempt.
Manoj Sinha, the governor of Jammu and Kashmir, also condemned the “cowardly terror attack” and reassured the public that those responsible would face severe punishment.
He vowed that the perpetrators would not escape justice.
The Attack’s Impact on the Diplomatic Mission
Vice President Vance’s visit to India, initially aimed at bolstering US-India relations, was undoubtedly overshadowed by this horrifying event.
The attack in Pahalgam underscores the ongoing challenges the region faces with violence and terrorism, especially in areas like Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite the tragic interruption, Vance and other officials have reiterated their commitment to strengthening ties with India, including future discussions about counterterrorism collaboration.