Social media plays the crucial role of bringing us together in the wake of tragedies and other big news events, and Wednesday was no different.
Users showed their solidarity on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook after the devastating terror attack at Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, which killed four and left dozens injured, by sharing stunning images of the capital.
Using hashtags including #WeStandTogether, #PrayForLondon and #WeAreNotAfraid, which continue to trend online, locals and tourists alike celebrated the beauty of some of London’s most iconic landmarks, thanked the emergency services and shared messages of hope. Here are some of the most inspiring posts reminding us to stick together and remain hopeful following the tragic events.
"Onwards we go ❤️ We love you, London."
"The other evening, while crossing the bridge, I saw a puddle. Instinctively I stopped, bent down and took a photo. How can such a beautiful place turn into a horror scene?... Share the love, always."
"Tonight all my thoughts are with the innocent victims of [the] attack in London and by the side of the victims' loved ones. Be strong everybody."
"'For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else.' - Sir Winston Churchill. Londoners are resilient and carrying on. My heart is with my new home today."
"Photo says it all."
"We shall stand united in Peace in London, in Brussels, in Nice, in Berlin, in Bali, in Beirut, in Baghdad and elsewhere. We the democratic peace loving people of the world will make this place a place of union, of kindness, of fraternity and shall not give in."
"Building Bridges instead of breaking them! Some wise words: 'Communication has the power to build bridges, to enable encounter and inclusion, and thus to enrich society. How beautiful it is when people select their words and actions with care, in the effort to avoid misunderstandings, to heal wounded memories and to build peace and harmony. Words can build bridges between individuals and within families, social groups and peoples. This is possible both in the material world and the digital world. Our words and actions should be such as to help us all escape the vicious circles of condemnation and vengeance which continue to ensnare individuals and nations, encouraging expressions of hatred.' – Pope Francis
"London's spirit will never break though. Let's spread love, respect and peace instead of hatred."
"It's hurtful to know what happened yesterday in London. England is my second country and London is my favourite city. I was there a few months ago and this is one of the worst part[s] but now all I want is that all of these attacks stop 'cause people shouldn't be afraid of travelling for the fear of being killed. We should live in peace, no matter which religion we follow."
"The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of them all."
"I can't shake it off news about what happened in London. Devastating news for innocent people's families. I don't defend the one's who did it. But I won't forget about people behind attackers. They've been brainwashed into thinking that's act of something good (sic). Nobody should forget those twisted minded people that are planting seeds of cruelty in other minds and covering behind religion, race or nationality. We need to stay supportive, kind and spread education in order to prevent future generations from incidents like this!"
"'My message to those that want to harm us and destroy our way of life is: you won't succeed; you won't divide us; we won't be cowed by terrorists' – London Mayor, Sadiq Khan."
"Stay positive ~ never get frightened and cowed by the momentary darkness, as the sun will shine out the clearer."
"I am so very proud of my city and its reaction to yesterday's tragic events. Hate nor ignorance was not flared, walls were not built, guns were not bought. No. Immediately, Londoners took to social media to express that they still fight for diversity and, soon after, various levels of government made their public statements that our city cannot cowed by fear. That we are still an open, welcoming people. Proving London is by far the greatest city in the world as it leads by example. It is only through love that we will drive out hate.
"This is why we moved here, why we chose to raise our family here, why we are so proud and excited to raise a generation of children who know only acceptance and kindness toward every human being. To take a page from John Lennon... 'Imagine'."
"'Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much' – Helen Keller."
"Bad things do happen in this world, but of those situations always arise stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Rest in peace PC Keith Palmer... and God bless all those that were taken, injured and helped at this time of need."
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