On Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, tragedy struck in Paris.
The terrorist attack in Paris took 129 innocent peoples’ lives and seriously injured 352 others, according to The Atlantic. Three venues in and around Paris were targeted and there are believed to have been eight attackers involved. The death toll does not include the suicide bombers, three of whom have been identified as French citizens living in Belgium. One terrorist has, so far, been captured.
The Islamic State has taken responsibility for the attacks. In a statement from the group released Saturday morning, Nov. 14th the Islamic State said, “Eight brothers wearing explosive belts and carrying assault rifles conducted a ‘blessing attack on Crusader France.’” French President Hollande stated this is “an act of war” against France.
The attacks came 10 months after two Islamist gunmen killed 11 people at the offices of the Paris-based Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical magazine. The terrorists, which appear to include residents of France and Belgium, attacked two restaurants in the 10th arrondissement, or district, killing at least 12, and attacked two more restaurants in the 11th arrondissement with at least 24 dead. In addition there were three explosions at the soccer match, where President Hollande was in attendance, along with mass killings at the concert hall Bataclan where the majority of deaths occurred.
While a Muslim caliphate tried to break our country on Sept. 11, 2001, this new caliphate has struck but failed to destroy France. All across the globe people have come together to unite to show their support for Paris. From New York City, Sydney, Australia, Washington DC, to Jerusalem, Israel, people and governments are showing their support. French President Hollande, issuing a state of emergency, closed the French borders and nearby countries including Italy and Belgium said they plan on tightening their security. In the United States extra security precautions are being taken nationwide at Sunday’s football games, as well as at historical monuments.
People have also taken to social media to show their support.
Madonna and Justin Bieber, both performing at live concerts, stopped their shows for a moment of remembrance.
President Obama ensured the world is supporting Paris when he made this statement:
“Once again we've seen an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians. This is an attack not just on Paris, it's an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share.”
Some seem to believe that the recent downing of the Russian plane in the Middle East, the bombing in Beirut and the attack on Paris is a coordinated effort by ISIS to show it’s muscle to the world. As free nations of the world we must come together and stand up to this threat.
