The death toll in Paris has now risen to 132 people, with 194 people still hospitalized and 42 in intensive care. A smashing total of 415 people were treated in 10 different Paris hospitals. Hospitals are at capacity and many people are lined up to donate blood. It has been the worst terrorist attack in Europe in eleven years. Here are some questions that people want to know.
What is the status of the investigation?
French authorities have been hunting down 26 year-old, Abdeslam Salah who was identified as a possible suspect in the Friday attacks. Officials in Belgium stated that Salah’s brother was killed in the attacks. So far, seven arrests have been in made in Belgium which could have been the root of the plots. Officers in other parts of Paris have found abandoned weapons in cars which could have been a clear sign of escape from the attackers. Along with that, authorities have been able to identify two more suspects but their names have yet to be released but we know that they are French-born men who were living in Belgium. Investigators have also been hunting down one of the three hostage takers in the Bataclan concert hall. There are still many unanswered questions that are up in the air.
So what’s happening in Paris?
Even for a Sunday, Paris is somewhat subdued and the country of France remains under a state of emergency. Many events have been canceled. Schools with classes or activities, cultural places such as museums, movie theaters, Disneyland Paris, and even the Eiffel Tower are closed. Small crowds have congregated to the Place de la Republique, where the Charlie Hebdo massacre occured, to show their solidarity even though government advice has been to stay at home. Citizens have put up the country’s flag to show their support. Schools and museums are to reopen on Monday. From city to city, law enforcement authorities are on heightened alert.
Why Paris?
The Islamic State claimed the attacks were a response to France’s campaign against its fighters and insults against Islam’s prophet. The group warned that France would remain one of its top targets. Bomb threats were made beginning with one at the German soccer team's hotel and the Gare de Lyon train station.
What’s next for policy makers?
As the country is currently dealing with the aftermath in Paris, global attention turns to politics and policies. President Obama and other world leaders are in Turkey for a summit meeting, where one of the main focus’ is the terrorist attacks.
