USA: July 16, 2016. (PCP) The American Sikh Council (ASC) is extremely distressed by the brutal act of violence carried out during the celebration of Bastille Day in the city of Nice, France on the July 14, 2016. “France is horrified by what has just occurred – a monstrous act of using a truck to intentionally kill dozens of people celebrating 14th of July,” French President Francois Hollande said during a nationally televised address early today. “We are aware that two U.S. citizens were killed in the attack. We are working with local authorities to determine if other U.S. citizens were injured in the event,” according to a statement released by the State Department today. Currently, at least 84 persons have been reported dead including several children due to the truck bombing. Many more people are injured, some critically while the total headcount of injuries is unknown at this time. The police are on a nationwide manhunt trying to apprehend the main suspects who maybe on the run and outside the suburbs of Nice and possibly in hiding. The American Sikh Council (ASC) sends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have been taken away by this appalling tragedy. We pray for a speedy and full recovery of the injured. Our prayers are with all the victims, their families, and local community. May Almighty God lighten your burden, and grace you with hope and healing under these very difficult circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of profound tragedy and grief. Such heinous acts must be condemned in the strictest manner and the American Sikh Council (ASC) stands in solidarity with the civilized world and democratic institutions. The American Sikh Council is the umbrella organization representative of Sikhs in the United States. It is an elected body of Sikh Gurdwaras and institutions. Currently 71 Gurdwaras and other Sikh institutions across the nation are members of ASC. The major governing purpose of the organization is to represent the collective view of Sikhs in the United States. ASC works to promote Sikh interests at the national and international level focusing on issues of advocacy, education, and well-being of humankind.