NRKRelated topics
Last night, it became clear that what happened at the AUF summer camp on Utøya yesterday is a national tragedy. Our country has not experienced a greater crime since the war.
At least 80 young people were taken from us on Utøya. We have also lost staff in the government building complex.
It is incomprehensible. It is like a nightmare.
A nightmare for the young people who were killed. For their loved ones. Mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who were brutally confronted with death.
But also for the survivors and their families. Each and every person who was on Utøya has been marked for life.
Young people have experienced things that no one should have to experience. Fear, blood and death.
I don’t have words to express how much I feel for all those who have been affected.
Today – in a few hours – I was supposed to meet the youths on Utøya. Many of them are no longer alive.
For me, Utøya is the paradise of my youth, which turned into hell yesterday.
Now, it’s all about supporting and helping those who are devastated by grief.
Many are still working to save lives. I visited Ullevål Hospital last night, and praised the outstanding work that the healthcare staff are doing there.
We also thank the police force, fire department crew and everyone else doing a great job. And the volunteers who have come forward.
Everyone is doing an impressive job, which is good to see. All of us feel the need to contribute, talk to each other and take care of each other.
Last night, I talked to the leader of the AUF, Eskil Pedersen. He is devoting all his energy to comforting and assisting everyone who has been affected.
Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Culture Anniken Huitfeldt were at Sundvollen last night and in the early hours of morning, assisting those who have come from Utøya and their families.
Many are still waiting for answers.
I will be travelling to Sundvollen later today, to meet the people who have been affected and their families.
The ministers whose ministries are most affected by the events will meet this morning, and there will be a cabinet meeting later today.
The flag will be flown at half-mast, as an expression of the nation’s grief over the tragedy that has hit us.