President Obama, local leaders react to Brussels terror attacks

President Barack Obama was set to speak to the Cuban people on Tuesday, but took time to comment on the Belgian terror attacks.

Explosions at the Brussels Airport and a nearby subway station Tuesday morning killed 31 people and injured at least 190.

President Obama said:

"I want to comment on the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Brussels.

The thoughts and the prayers of the American people are with the people of Belgium. We stand in solidarity with them, in condemning these outrageous attacks against innocent people. We will do whatever is necessary to support our friend and ally Belgium in bringing to justice those who are responsible, and this is yet another reminder that the world must unite. We must be together, regardless of nationality or race or faith, in fighting against the scourge of terrorism. We can and we will defeat those who threaten the safety of those around the world."

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also commented on the terror attacks:

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“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of ‎life today in Brussels. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and loved ones. We stand in solidarity with our sister city of Brussels and the people of Belgium as they endure these unspeakable acts of terrorism.

"This attack is a vicious attempt to break our spirit. At moments like this, we must stand together and pledge that no terrorist attack will ever shake the resolve of our city, state and nation.

"My administration will take every precaution to ensure the safety and security of the city of Atlanta, particularly at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Since last year's attacks in Paris, we have implemented a number of enhanced security measures at the airport including additional patrols and monitoring coordinated by the Atlanta Police Department, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Transportation Security Administration, reducing the number of access points to secure areas by 85 percent and implementing daily security screening of all airport employees.

"My administration's number one priority remains the safety of all of Atlanta's residents and visitors, and today I reaffirm my commitment to that effort."

Sen. Johnny Isakson is among those weighing in on social media.

Isakson released the following statement:

“As we learn more about the senseless acts of terror that occurred in Brussels, we stand united with Belgium and all freedom-loving nations against these evil acts of violence.

“I have stated time and again that you cannot negotiate with someone who would cut off your head. ISIL must be dealt with by no other means than with the intention of eradicating them from the face of the Earth. Today’s attacks are a stark reminder that the threat of ISIL is not contained. It is past time for President Obama to stop dismissing ISIL and instead equip and enable our armed forces and our intelligence agencies to root out terrorists wherever they are.

“Dianne and I send our thoughts and prayers to the families and victims of the Belgium attacks.”

Senator David Perdue showed his support for the people of Belgium in the following statement:

“Our prayers go out to the people of Belgium as they deal with terrorist attacks in their nation's capital. Too often, the world has witnessed violence at the hands of radical terrorists, and this ruthless enemy must be stopped. Our nation stands with our friend and ally, Belgium, to bring those responsible for these evil attacks to justice.”

The Atlanta Police Department also offered the following statement:

"Our prayers are with the victims of the senseless attacks in Brussels, Belgium.  We are living in a world where we as law enforcement must always be ready for any situation that arises.  We have been training our first line responders, our patrol officers, on advanced techniques in the event of a large scale attack and we will continue to prepare our officers for any eventuality.  As always, we are working with our federal partners to address and monitor any potential threats.   At this time, there are no credible threats to the City of Atlanta."

Cox Media Group