Three teams of terrorists, who have been connected with the group ISIS, coordinated attacks at six locations throughout Paris, late on Friday evening. A concert hall, Stage de France, and at least two restaurants were among the locations that were targeted, according to French officials. 129 people have been reported dead from the attacks, and over 300 have been very seriously injured.
Highlighted in red are the 6 locations where terrorists attacked.
Bataclan Concert Hall was the venue that saw the deadliest of the attacks. As Eagles of Death Metal, a blues rock band from the United States, performed a concert, three attackers armed with assault rifles stormed the venue and opened fire, killing at least 89 people. As the police stormed in, two of the terrorists killed themselves by detonating suicide belts, and the other terrorist at the scene was shot and killed by police.
Mourners place flowers outside of the Bataclan Concert Venue in Paris, France.
President Francios Hollande was at the Stage de France where France was playing Germany in a soccer match when spectators heard two loud explosions during the game. The stadium was evacuated, and it was discovered there had been four explosions just outside of the stadium; three suicide bombers and a man who had been walking by were the only reported deaths.
Pictured is the Stage de France where spectators were safely evacuated during the attacks.
At the restaurants, cafes and bars that were part of the attacks, suicide bombers detonated their vests, injuring and killing the people around them.
President Hollande declared a state of emergency across all of France, which allowed authorities to limit people's movement and impose zones of security and protection. President Hollande also ordered 1,500 military troops to join the security forces already deployed. The troops will secure locations that are "particularly strategic" and will patrol in the heart of Paris to keep civilians and tourists safe.
President Hollande addressing the public on the events of the Paris attacks and the precautions that the government will be taking.
After the horrific Paris attacks, U.S. President Barack Obama stated, "This is an attack not just on Paris, not just on the people of France, but an attack on all humanity." People all around the world agreed with this statement and immediately began showing their love and support for France during this time by lighting monuments in the blue, white and red colors of the flag of France.
The One World Trade Center in New York displaying the colors of the flag of France in support.
With hashtags emerging such as "#prayingforfrance" and many different artwork depictions such as the Eiffel Tower in the peace sign, social media quickly became an area for people all over the world to stand together in support of France. Social media network Facebook gave users the option to over lay a blue, white, and red filter over their profile pictures to show their individual support, and thousands have reportedly done so.
Facebook's logo resembling the flag of France in support.
I think that it is wonderful that people have come together for France in the way that they have; however, France needs more than just a filter on your profile picture or you hitting share on artwork created in support. The people of France want you to read their stories of the events that happened Friday, they want you to be aware. ISIS has made, and is still making, threats like this on the United States, saying we are the next target. The people of France want us to understand that what happened on Friday evening in Paris can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Yes, France needs your prayers -- the world needs your prayers. Yes, it is great that you changed your Facebook picture to show you care. But do more, do your part. Be aware of your surroundings. If you see something that could be suspicious, say something. Take these events seriously.
To the people of France, know that you are in my heart and in my prayers.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross's efforts to mobilize and help those effected in France, click here to see how you can help.
