A vigil will be held at Syracuse University on Thursday to honor the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka, Chancellor Kent Syverud announced in an email Monday evening. 

The bombings occurred in three churches and at least three hotels in Sri Lanka, according to CBS News. The attacks killed at least 290 people, including at least 39 foreigners and injured more than 500 others. 

The vigil will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the university’s Catholic Center. 

The attacks appear to have been the work of suicide bombers, and Sri Lankan police have at least 24 suspects in custody, CBS News reported. The New York Times reported that the Sri Lankan government assigned responsibility for the bombings to a little-known radical Islamist group, but the group may have been aided by an international terrorist organization. 

Sri Lankan security forces had been warned about potential attacks from the militant group at least 10 days prior to the bombing, but no action was taken against the group, according to The Times.  

Syverud said that places of worship and community gatherings should be safe from violence. 

“Our university must remain steadfast in our commitment to respect, value and support all members of our community,” he said. 

Published on April 22, 2019 at 9:40 pm

Contact Gillian: gifollet@syr.edu