On the Morning of January 7 at 11:30 AM local time, three armed gunmen walked into the headquarters of the weekly satirical French newspaper, Charlie Hebdo. After walking into the building, the gunmen shot and killed a police officer stationed inside. They then proceeded immediately upstairs where an editorial meeting was taking place and opened fire on the journalists, killing four of the founding cartoonists of the publication. 

The gunmen exited the building where they exchanged fire with another policeman, eventually hitting the officer. One video broadcasted on French television shows one of the gunmen killing the officer at point blank range. During the attack the men shouted the phrase “Allahu Akbar” as well as “We have avenged the Prophet Muhammad." In total the gunmen killed 12 -- eight of whom were journalists and 2 police officers -- and injured 11. The men then hopped into a vehicle to escape, travelling to a nearby suburb and transferring vehicles. There is a massive manhunt out for the perpetrators and the French police believe that they have identified the suspects.             

Charlie Hebdo is a left-leaning satirical publication that has previously stirred up controversy. The newspaper has had several cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad in the past and has received several threats. Indeed, Islamic groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda have issued threats and the magazine’s offices were destroyed in firebomb attacks three years ago. So far the paper has braved these attacks and from statements made by journalists, they will continue.               

What is most revealing about this episode of violence is the relation between the freedom of the press and those who would use violence to silence any criticism. Radical religious groups have routinely used violence to stop criticism. Of course apologists will crawl out of the woodwork, making sure to point out that “not all Muslims or other religious people are violent.” But, of course, we know this, because we’re not children. The only thing these statements contribute is to divert attention and send the conversation in circles. 

In an interview with Radio France, Philippe Val, the former director of Charlie Hebdo, stated, “It is necessary to have a forceful and realistic discussion on this rising danger, that is real and has been denounced for years. We have not listened. Today you have to listen to us, do not leave us alone.” 

We have allowed groups to hide behind religion and apologists to divert attention from the real problems for too long and it’s time for us to face this issue head on. The writer and artist Salman Rushdie once said, ”What is the freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist.” This is true. We have the right to express our opinions even if they offend people. We cannot continue to allow these groups to use fear to silence critics. We must get behind these journalists to protect our freedom to express our opinions.                

And it seems we are moving in that direction. In a statement made on Wednesday, French president Francois Hollande claimed that Charlie Hebdo stood for freedom and promised, “France would keep defending that message on their behalf.” Indeed, messages of solidarity have continued to pour in from around the world. President Obama called the attacks “cowardly” and “evil” as well as guaranteed that the people of the United States, “will stand with the people of France through this very, very difficult time.” Through out the world people have expressed solidarity with the French with the phrase “Je suis Charlie” (I am Charlie). 

In the same interview with Radio France, Philippe Val stated, “Our way of rendering justice is to not stand by quietly, it is to continue. I hope this tragedy, which is irreparable, will change things, that we will not let these bastards win.” 

We must continue to show solidarity and show that we can bravely face these threats, continuing to express ourselves and our thoughts despite the threats of those who would wish to censor. Je suis Charlie.