Following reports of a deadly shooting in India’s Kashmir region that claimed at least 20 lives, President expressed his “deepest sympathies” on Tuesday.

“Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir,” posted on TRUTH Social. “The United States stands strong with India . We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!”

According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz had briefed on the situation.

Leavitt stated at Tuesday’s White House briefing that intends to speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “as soon as he possibly can to express his heartfelt condolences for those lost.” She added, “And our prayers are with those injured in our nation’s support for our ally, India. These types of horrific events by terrorists are why those of us who work for peace and stability in the world continue our mission. So we’ll give you a readout of that call later this afternoon.”

Leavitt suggested that the press might hear directly from later in the day on Tuesday.

The attack happened while Vice President JD Vance and his family were visiting India.

Vance met with Modi on Monday and gave a speech in Jaipur, a city in northwestern India, earlier on Tuesday about strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

Following the attack, the vice president posted on X, “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”

Indian police reported that at least 20 tourists were killed by gunmen at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir, signaling a potential significant shift in the regional conflict where civilians have largely been spared.

Modi expressed strong condemnation of “the terror attack” in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and offered condolences to the bereaved families.

Modi wrote on X, “I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”

Indian police officials have labeled the incident a “terror attack” and attributed it to militants fighting against Indian rule.

Omar Abdullah, the region’s top elected official, stated on social media, “This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”

According to the Associated Press, two senior police officers reported that at least four gunmen, described as militants, fired on dozens of tourists at close range. The officers also indicated that at least three dozen others were injured, many severely.

The officers, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity in accordance with departmental policy, stated that most of the tourists killed were Indian.

Authorities recovered at least 20 bodies in Baisaran meadow, approximately three miles from Pahalgam, the disputed region’s resort town.

The meadow in Pahalgam is a popular tourist destination known for its snow-capped mountains and pine forests, attracting hundreds of visitors daily. Kashmir, with its Himalayan foothills and ornate houseboats, has become a major domestic tourist spot, drawing millions who find a fragile peace amidst the pervasive security presence of checkpoints, armored vehicles, and patrolling soldiers.

India and Pakistan, both nuclear powers, each administer a portion of Kashmir but claim the entire territory.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Police and soldiers have launched a search for the attackers.

India’s home minister, Amit Shah, posted on social media, “We will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences.” He arrived in Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir, and held a meeting with high-ranking security officials. He mentioned that Modi, who is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, has been informed of the situation.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent resistance politician and Kashmir’s top religious cleric, condemned what he called a “cowardly attack on tourists,” stating on social media that “such violence is unacceptable and against the ethos of Kashmir which welcomes visitors with love and warmth.”

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