“My thoughts and prayers are with all the Norwegian people, especially those injured and the families of those killed in what authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

“Just as Norway has continued to stand beside the United States in fighting against terrorists and terrorist attacks, the United States will stand beside our Norwegian allies.

“My home state of Washington is home to many people of Norwegian descent and I know they are shocked at this attack against Norway, a country that has distinguished itself as an arbiter of peace and development in the world.

“The US should stand ready to help in any way we can.