Utter chaos took over the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England after a suicide bombing occurred at the end of an Ariana Grande concert taking place at the arena. This was the deadliest bombing in England since the 2005 London transit bombing, killing at least 22 people and injuring 59. Police found out about the bombing at around 10:33 p.m. Responsibility for the incident is put on 22 year old Salman Abedi, while another 23 year old was arrested for connection to the attack according to the NY Times. ISIS also took responsibility but have failed to provide an evidence for being a part of the bombing.

This most disturbing part of this event is the fact that so many children were involved. Ariana Grande’s fan-base, the “Arianators” is made up of mostly children and teens, therefore they were the main ones in attendance of the concert and clearly targeted. Not only were they some of those killed or injured, but additionally many were split up from parents and their families as the explosion occurred. Terrified teenagers and screaming children filled the arena, everyone fearing their safety.

The bomb went off outside the venue, killing and injuring those exiting. It did not fail to send worry inside however, creating mayhem everywhere. Corrine Tudda, a fellow “Arianator,” expressed her opinion on the event. “ It is absolutely horrifying that such a detrimental occurrence happened where it did. Ariana Grande shows so much love to her fans and is such an inspiration to so many young girls, I know that the entire arena was filled with those too young to experience something like this. It also is extremely concerning that I myself would have been so happy to be at this concert, and my life could have been in danger.”

Ariana Grande has reached out to her fans, knowing they never deserved to go through such an upsetting event. She tweeted right after the event took place at 10:51 saying, “Broken. From the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. I don’t have words.” Grande planned an event, “One Love for Manchester” a concert held in the UK to raise money for the victims and families affected by the attack. This meaningful concert raised 2.6 million dollars, with the slogan of “love beats hate” keeping attendees united and strong.

This event promised hope to those affected by the incident, and helped to ease the pain of lost loved ones and the injured. Ariana grande has continued on with her international tour, however has it made it clear that she will never forget the event that has brought her and her fans closer than ever.