Former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri was assassinated in an explosion that targeted his motorcade on a Beirut waterfront road, killing the late Lebanese leader, seven of his bodyguards and bystanders. Dozens were also injured. Mr. Hariri had just left Parliament when the attack took place.

The late Lebanese leader's family issued a statement describing the attack as a criminal act and declared Mr. Hariri a martyr for the entire nation.

Lebanon and the whole world paid farewell to Martyr PM Rafic Hariri and his seven companions in a huge popular and historic funeral procession that went through the streets of Beirut heading toward Mohammed Al Amin Mosque in Beirut's Central District, where they were laid to rest. An outstanding Lebanese, Arab and international participation characterized the procession, which hardly went through the huge crowds, who came from all Lebanese regions and sects, raising Lebanese flags and pictures of Martyr Prime Minister and his companions. During the procession, Church bells were ringing in the capital, while verses from the Quran were broadcasted from the mosques.

Many Arab and international officials attended the funeral and countless eminent figures and dignitaries shared the grief and sorrow of Hariri family and the Lebanese people by paying tribute to Martyr PM Rafic Hariri. French President Jacques Chirac and his wife, many members of the Saudi royal family as well as members from the Kuwaiti ruling family and numerous Arab and international political figures also came to present their condolences.

The Hariri family also received condolences at the late leader's residence in Majdelyoun (Saida) and later in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Crown Prince Abdullah Ben Abdel Aziz was among the first visitors to offer his condolences, expressing his grief and bereavement for the loss of a great Arab leader and friend. The Lebanese community in the Kingdom also came to extend condolences.