RantCrush Top 5: March 23, 2017

In the aftermath of the deadliest terror attack in London since 2005, Islamic State has claimed responsibility. The group announced that the assailant answered “calls to target citizens of coalition nations,” but it is not actually confirmed that this is the case.

ISIS failing to name the London supposed “soldier” suggests it doesn’t know and a crumbling murderous group is desperate for atrocity credit

— Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) March 23, 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May revealed at a press conference that the attacker was a British citizen who had previously been investigated by MI5 for his extremist views, but that he wasn’t a part of the “current intelligence picture.” Another eight people have been arrested for possible involvement in planning the attack, but details are still murky.

After the attack, world leaders tweeted their support for London and its residents, but one tweet by Donald Trump Jr. was heavily criticized. He used a six-month-old quote from the mayor of London saying, “Terror attacks are part of living in big city,” and added, “You have to be kidding me?!” The misleading tweet led to criticism from British politicians and social media users who pointed out that it’s smart to fact check what you’re posting, especially if you’re the son of the president and tweeting about an ally.

@DonaldJTrumpJr You use a terrorist attack on our city to attack London’s Mayor for your own political gain. You’re a disgrace.

— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) March 22, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.