Other countries who have been largely silent until now weighed in to disagree.

Others said he was 'largely silent' in meetings and tried to 'position himself for history' by sending memos that he could then cite in a book.

But the president remained largely silent, issuing a lukewarm 21-word tweet declaring his 'deepest sympathies and respect', after rejecting a statement drafted by advisers.

As darkness fell, students who had earlier been shouting as they stood feet from officers, fell largely silent but remained cheerful.

For months business leaders remained largely silent on the issue.