After Horrific Attack, A City Opens Its Doors With #RoomsForManchester

Residents of Manchester offer homes, food to people reeling from attack

Last night, a deadly attack inside a packed arena in Manchester killed 22 people, and wounded dozens more. A horrific moment, with the worst of humanity targeting women and children — mothers and families taking young daughters to their first concert; teenagers excitedly attending the concert in groups. They were all there to see Ariana Grande — and her core audience remains teens and tweens.

This was the UK’s deadliest terror attack since the London transit bombings of 2005. The news began spreading around 7pm Eastern time last night, and panicked, worried observers took to social media.

The first things that come to mind when a senseless act of violence like this happens are fear, panic, and dread. But at a time of utter panic and dread last night, the best of humanity emerged to show us that we are all in this together — and your neighbor really will help you when you need it.

The hashtag #RoomsForManchester began trending on social media quickly after the attack, with people all around Manchester offering rooms, food, company, and warmth to those stranded in the city. The investigation into the attack left a large part of the city cordoned off, and it was very difficult for concert-goers to get out.

And there are dozens and dozens more. It’s a speck of warmth at a terrible time, knowing that although events like this leave us reeling with a feeling of terror and fear — love and kindness is so much stronger and humanity really will swoop in to lift a city up.

Our thoughts go out to all the families who have lost loved ones, the young concert goers who are now terrified, and anyone else who has been impacted by this horrible attack.