George W. Bush: “I think what the escalating violence shows is that there are people who believe in terror as a way of life.”

We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling.

Is it in our interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for your hard work and God bless you.

History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation – a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position.

We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will.