British people have reacted with quintessential humor and disdain after a New York Times headline claimed the nation is “reeling” after its second terror attack in as many weeks.
Reporting on the Saturday night’s killings in London, the New York Times stated that the attackers had struck at the heart of the capital city “in a nation still reeling."
The headline was greeted with a wave of defiance and humor on Twitter as British people were quick to point out that London, and the UK, has been through far greater struggles before.
Many expressed anger and sadness following the attacks, which left seven people dead and up to 48 injured. However resilience was also on prominent display as people vowed to carry on as normal.
The front page of the New York Daily News, which screamed “London under siege,” also drew significant criticism as people pointed out that police had killed the attackers within eight minutes of receiving reports of the incident.
The New York Times headline sparked the hashtag #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling to trend on Twitter as people described modern day scenarios that leave them feeling challenged.
People have also been posting messages of defiance using the hashtag #LoveLondon.
JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, tweeted: “The thugs who mowed down innocent people would love to think of the UK ‘reeling’ but it isn’t. Don’t confuse grief with lack of courage.”
US TV Coverage of the attack also drew some ire, Scottieboy (@merseytart) said: “Woman on CNN talking about London’s streets being eerily quiet. Mate, it’s Sunday. They’re not cowering in fear. They’re having a lie-in.”
Police have arrested 12 people in connection with the terrorist attack, following police raids by at multiple addresses in Barking, East London.