'He doesnt represent us': Saudis tweet in solidarity with Americans over Florida Navy base shooting

JEDDAH: Saudis took to social media to offer heartfelt condolences in solidarity with Americans after a Saudi student opened fire at a US Navy base in Florida on Friday.

Three people were killed and at several injured in the attack at the Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida. The gunman was shot and killed.

Under several hashtags, most prominently an Arabic one which translates to #Florida_Criminal_Does_not_represent_us, Saudis expressed deep sympathy with those affected.

Abdullah Al-Najdi said on Twitter: “He does not represent Saudi Arabia and only represents his devious ideology. Criminals exist in every religion and every country. He is responsible for his own action.”

Another Twitter user said: “Saudi people are against terrorism and terrorists. We are with tolerance and peace.”

Hamad Al-Mansour said: “No doubt that this is a criminal act that does not represent us. We reject any act of aggression anywhere and any place. King Salman said it that this shooter does not represent us. My condolences to the American people.”

@Samahafam said: “Saudis are denouncing the heinous barbaric act of the Florida attack. ‘Florida’s criminal does not represent us’ is trending in Saudi Arabia. Our condolences to our American friends.

@lionnsser said the attacker was a criminal who does not represent Islam.

“Saudi Arabia is always working on spreading peace, tolerance and coexistence between people.”

Another Twitter user described the attack as a “heinous crime”.

“We regret every incident in which innocent lives have been killed, Everyone should know that this event has nothing to do with religion or the homeland, our condolences to the families of the dead,” the user said.

@nai901 said: “Saudi Arabia foiled many terrorist attempts around the world. Saudi scholarship students saved many people and placed their lives in danger, some of them died doing it. This is an isolated incident that is condemned by Saudi people and government.”

@MosaedJaser also said the attacker “does not represent our religion that prohibits the murder of innocent people.”

“He does not represent our government and leaders,” he added. “Saudi Arabia was in the lead front in fighting extremism. He does not represent us.”

Mishap Al-Dafiri said: “Our government stands firm against extremism and supports peace and security around the world. He does not represent us and our religion.”