Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II criticised the government for how it dealt with the security situation during the events of al-Khusūs and the attacks of the Cathedral. He confirmed that Mursi had promised to protect the Cathedral, but that he did not carry out his promises. He described the Presidents’ behaviour as neglectful and his government as weak.

Patrick Ventrell, Acting Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, explained in a press briefing that the Department of State saw the Pope’s statements that related the President to the incident. In relation to what incited the violence of al-Khusūs, the Department of State’s understanding differed depending on the accounts of eyewitnesses. Patrick added that the security forces are responsible for protecting the citizens, preventing clashes between them and to protect state institutions from attacks. The Department of State understands that Mursi has promised to carry out a complete and transparent investigation and it has stated that failure to prosecute those who carried out the sectarian crimes followed by an appropriate punishment will cause concern at the U.S. Department of State (Ibtihāl Fū'ād, al-Tahrīr, Apr. 11, p. 5). Read original text in Arabic