America Rallied Behind France This Weekend
Connor D. Wolf on November 14, 2015
With the world still reeling after 127 people died Friday night in what is believed to be an ISIS terrorist attack across Paris, leaders in America have spoken out and landmarks lit to show support for the devastated nation.
The situation lasted several hours into the night, as attackers targeted the area around a stadium and a restaurant, with the main target centered in a concert hall. Now, with the country on lock down and Paris authorities are back in control, America is showing its support. Nearly 14 years after terrorist caused the World Trade Center buildings to collapse on Sept. 11, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo order the new building be lit red, white and blue to honor Paris.
New York City After Attacks In Paris (Daniel Pierce Wright/Getty Images)
“My heart goes out to the loved ones of all who have been lost. As more details emerge, I want the people of Paris to know that just as the world has stood by New York in times of tragedy, today New York stands with you,” Cuomo declared in a statement. “I want the people of Paris to know that just as the world has stood by New York in times of tragedy, today New York stands with you.”
The Francisco City Hall also lit up in the colors of the French flag. Earlier in the evening, while the attacks were ongoing, President Barack Obama also offered his support to the French people.
“Once again we’ve seen an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians,” the president declared. “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.”
The show of support mirrors similar actions taken by France after Sept. 11 when the United States was also attacked by terrorists. At the time French official honored victims of the attack with ceremonies while pledging their support.
“It is with great emotion that France has learned of these monstrous attacks,” than French President Jacques Chirac said at the time. “France expresses itsfriendship and solidarity in this tragedy. Of course, I assure President George Bush of my total support. France, you know, has always condemned and unreservedly condemns terrorism, and considers that we must fight against terrorism by all means.”
During the attacks, Paris plunged into chaos as authorities worked to gain control. When it all started, explosions outside the soccer stadium resulted in French President Francois Hollande’s evacuation to the Interior Ministry. At the time time, attackers took more than a hundred hostages at the concert hall.
Later that evening, Hollande announced the country was on lock down. Borders were closed and the military dispatched to the streets. France has since been on lock down.
One assailant was reportedly yelling “this is for Syria,” while another claimed to belong to the terror group ISIS. After a tense standoff, law enforcement stormed the building where 118 people were killed by terrorist gunmen. Three gunmen were reportedly killed during the raid. Only twelve hostages survived.
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