'Horrific, heartbreaking': Indian-American politicians react to terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam

A terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley area of Pahalgam, in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, left 26 people dead, most of them tourists.

The horrific assault has shocked the nation and garnered widespread condemnation from political figures around the world, including from Indian-American politicians.

Indian-Americans are the largest and most politically active group among Asian Americans. As the community mourns the loss of innocent lives, these leaders have expressed their solidarity with the victims’ families and reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Vivek Ramaswamy, an American entrepreneur and Repubican politician, was quick to react to the tragedy. "This was a horrific attack. We extend our condolences to the families of those who died and our prayers for those who were injured to recover quickly," he said.

This was a horrific attack. We extend our condolences to the families of those who died & our prayers for those who were injured to recover quickly. https://t.co/bkRjQmdQGU

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) April 22, 2025

Ro Khanna

Ro Khanna, representing California's 17th congressional district, condemned the attack saying "I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. The gunman killed at least two dozen tourists at this beautiful sightseeing town. I stand with the people of India at this moment, and offer condolences and prayers to the families of the victims."

I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. The gunman killed at least two dozen tourists at this beautiful sightseeing town. I stand with the people of India at this moment, and offer condolences and prayers to the families of the victims.

— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) April 22, 2025

Ami Bera

Ami Bera, a physician and US Congressman from California’s 6th district, also expressed his shock over the loss of life. "I am greatly disturbed by the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed at least 20 civilians and injured dozens more. My thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted by this horrific event," Bera said.

I am greatly disturbed by the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed at least 20 civilians and injured dozens more. 

My thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted by this horrific event.https://t.co/sHBY8EFiiV

— Ami Bera, M.D. (@RepBera) April 22, 2025

Raja Krishnamoorthi

Raja Krishnamoorthi, US representative from Illinois’s 8th district, condemned the attack as senseless violence. "I am heartbroken by the horrific attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir. My prayers are with the victims and their families as they mourn and grapple with this senseless violence. We must stand united against terrorism in all its forms and bring the perpetrators to justice," Krishnamoorthi remarked.

I am heartbroken by the horrific attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir. My prayers are with the victims and their families as they mourn and grapple with this senseless violence. We must stand united against terrorism in all its forms and bring the perpetrators to justice.

— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) April 22, 2025

Shri Thanedar

Shri Thanedar, US Congressman from Michigan’s 13th district, underscored the need for stronger cooperation between the US and India in addressing terrorism. "I condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed at least 28 civilians, many of them tourists. With Vice President Vance in India, this attack underscores the urgent need for stronger US-India cooperation to confront terrorism and pursue justice," Thanedar said.

I condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed at least 28 civilians, many of them tourists. With Vice President Vance in India, this attack underscores the urgent need for stronger US-India cooperation to confront terrorism and pursue justice. https://t.co/WabdqgkJKR

— Shri Thanedar (@ShriThanedar) April 23, 2025