Trump mistakenly tweets millions dead in Sri Lanka explosions on Easter Sunday

In expressing his condolences to those impacted by the Sri Lanka blasts, President Donald Trump initially claimed incorrectly that millions had died in the South Asia country on Easter Sunday.

At least 138 people were killed in what appears to be coordinated attacks as the death toll is expected to increase, according to multiple media reports. Hundreds were wounded in a series of explosions that targeted churches and hotels frequented by tourists around the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, the Associated Press and CNN report.

Sri Lankan security personnel and investigators look through debris outside Zion Church following an explosion in Batticaloa in eastern Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan security personnel and investigators look through debris outside Zion Church following an explosion in Batticaloa in eastern Sri Lanka.

Trump offered support for Sri Lanka in the early morning tweet. "Heartfelt condolences from the people of the United States to the people of Sri Lanka on the horrible terrorist attacks on churches and hotels that have killed at least 138 million people and badly injured 600 more. We stand ready to help," the president said.

The president deleted the original tweet and added a corrected version with the nearly 140 people dead figure in the blasts.

Trump mistakenly said millions had died in the Sri Lanka Easter explosions
Trump mistakenly said millions had died in the Sri Lanka Easter explosions

Trump's tweets come hours after Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe issued his own statement on Twitter cautioning against spreading unverified reports.

"I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation," Wickremesinghe said. "The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump mistakenly tweets millions dead in Sri Lanka explosions on Easter Sunday