'We must do everything possible to keep this horrible terrorism outside the United States': Donald Trump reacts to deadly Turkey terror attacks

  • Trump has reacted to terror attack in Turkey that has left at least 36 dead
  • He tweeted: 'Will the world ever realize what is going on? So sad.'
  • Also said the US must do everything to stop more attacks happening there
  • Presumptive nominee also reiterated his call for return of waterboarding
  • Three explosions rocked Istanbul's Ataturk airport at 8pm GMT Tuesday
  • Deadly attack has injured more than 140 people, death toll expected to rise

Donald Trump has responded to the deadly terrorist attack in Istanbul, Turkey, asking if the 'world will ever realize what is going on?' and calling on the USA to protect itself. 

Three suicide bombers launched a 'major, co-ordinated' attack at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport Tuesday night injuring more than 140 people and leaving a death toll that is expected to rise to 50.

The trio sprayed bullets into crowds of terrified passengers and security personnel before blowing themselves up. 

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Donald Trump has responded to the deadly terrorist attack in Istanbul, Turkey, asking if the 'world will ever realize what is going on?'

Donald Trump has responded to the deadly terrorist attack in Istanbul, Turkey, asking if the 'world will ever realize what is going on?'

One of the three terrorists that struck at Turkey's Ataturk Airport wields an AK-47 as he conducts his killing spree
A man carries a wounded boy away from the devastated airport tonight after the  explosions, after suicide bombers launched an attack

One of the three terrorists that struck at Turkey's Ataturk Airport wields an AK-47 as he carries out his killing spree (left), while a man carries a wounded boy away from the airport (right)

Taking to Twitter following the horror, the presumptive Republican nominee said: 'Yet another terrorist attack, this time in Turkey. Will the world ever realize what is going on? So sad.'

And three hours later added: 'We must do everything possible to keep this horrible terrorism outside the United States.' 

The Trump campaign later released a statement that said: 'Our prayers are with the families of those killed and injured in Istanbul. The whole world is stunned and horrified.'

It added: 'We must take steps now to protect America from terrorists, and do everything in our power to improve our security to keep America safe.' 

Meanwhile, earlier in the night the billionaire businessman told a rally in St. Clairsville, Ohio, that 'there's something going on that's really, really bad. We better get smart and we better get tough or we're not going to have much of a country left.' 

At the same event, he reiterated his call for the return of waterboarding and the use of other harsh interrogation techniques in the battle against Islamic State militants.

Shocked crowds of bystanders and holidaymakers mix with emergency services crews outside the terminal where the attackers struck

Shocked crowds of bystanders and holidaymakers mix with emergency services crews outside the terminal where the attackers struck

Paramedics and special forces officers at the scene help the more than 140 wounded at the airport, with Turkish officials saying the death toll will rise to 50

Paramedics and special forces officers at the scene help the more than 140 wounded at the airport, with Turkish officials saying the death toll will rise to 50

Trump told the jubilant Ohio crowd that 'you have to fight fire with fire.'

The pronouncement drew cheers and chants of 'USA! USA!'

During the Republican primary, Trump frequently advocated the return of waterboarding and 'much worse,' declaring at one point that 'torture works.' 

He said: 'We have to fight so viciously and violently because we're dealing with violent people.'

Trump is continuing his harsh rhetoric as he approaches the general election campaign, even as his advisers work to make him more measured. 

Meanwhile Hillary Clinton said  the bombings at Istanbul Ataturk Airport are 'a reminder that the United States cannot retreat.'

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee says in a statement that the U.S. must deepen its cooperation with allies and partners in the Middle East and Europe 'to take on this threat.'

Clinton says: 'Such cooperation is essential to protecting the homeland and keeping our country safe.'

Earlier in the night the billionaire businessman told a rally in St. Clairsville, Ohio, that 'there's something going on that's really, really bad. We better get smart and we better get tough or we're not going to have much of a country left.'

Earlier in the night the billionaire businessman told a rally in St. Clairsville, Ohio, that 'there's something going on that's really, really bad. We better get smart and we better get tough or we're not going to have much of a country left.'

Trump sparked widespread anger with his reaction to the Orlando mass shooting earlier this month

Trump sparked widespread anger with his reaction to the Orlando mass shooting earlier this month

Clinton says that Americans stand united with the people of Turkey against this campaign of hatred and violence.

She says 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the Turkish people. ... 'Today's attack in Istanbul only strengthens our resolve to defeat the forces of terrorism and radical jihadism around the world.'

Trump sparked widespread anger with his reaction to the Orlando mass shooting earlier this month when he tweeted: 'Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance.'

The self-satisfied message caused an outcry from followers who said he was using the deaths of innocent Americans to score points and 'bask in congratulations.' 

The response to the Tweet was instantaneous - and overwhelmingly negative, both from liberals and conservatives.

Star Trek actor and LGBT campaigner George Takei said, 'Once again, Donald, you have shown why you cannot lead us. 50 people are dead, and you bask in congratulations.' 

 

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