The following is a statement from the Counter Extremism Project:

"The Counter Extremism Project condemns in the strongest terms possible today’s brutal, horrific and merciless murder of more than 140 children at the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan. This hateful act encapsulates the ruthlessness and inhumanity of the Taliban, a group whose ideology can apparently rationalize the slaying of innocent, defenseless children. To attack and execute children where they learn, play and believe themselves to be safe is an affront to all humanity.

"This latest act of violence cannot go unanswered. The global community must increase its collective effort to combat extremism in all forms, in all corners of the world. No parent should have to choose between education and the safety of their child. We stand with the people of Peshawar and offer our thoughts and prayers to all those who lost loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy.