At least 120 dead in Paris attacks, Hollande declares emergency
Gunmen and bombers attacked restaurants, a concert hall and a sports stadium at locations across Paris on Friday, killing at least 120 people in what a shaken President Francois Hollande called an unprecedented terrorist attack.
People hug on the street near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal attacks in Paris
A Paris city hall official said gunmen systematically slaughtered nearly 100 people attending a rock concert at the Bataclan music hall. Anti-terrorist commandos eventually launched an assault on the building, killed the gunmen and rescued dozens of shocked survivors.
Some 40 other people were killed in up to five other attacks in the Paris region, the city hall official said, including an apparent double suicide bombing outside the national stadium where Hollande and the German Foreign Minister were watching a friendly soccer international.
Peace for Paris
Paris Public Prosecutor Francois Molins said the overall death toll was at least 120. Five assailants had been "neutralized".
Explosions heard inside stadium in Paris
A makeshift memorial honoring the victims of the terror attack in Paris is seen outside the Consulate General of France in San Francisco, California November 13, 2015
French police secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
Players and fans in Paris' Stade de France stadium react after hearing the explosions during the France-Germany soccer match, in a series of attacks in the city that have left scores dead. Rough Cut
The apparently coordinated assault came as France, a founder member of the U.S.-led coalition waging air strikes against Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq, was on high alert for terrorist attacks ahead of a global climate conference due to open later this month.
President Obama just delivered a statement on today's attacks in Paris.
"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."
NEW YORK, OTHER U.S. CITIES BEEF UP SECURITY AFTER PARIS ATTACKS
New York, Boston and other cities in the United States bolstered security on Friday night after deadly gun and bomb attacks on civilians in Paris, but law enforcement officials said the beefed-up police presence was precautionary rather than a response to any specific threats.
Good evening, everybody. I just want to make a few brief comments about the attacks across Paris tonight. 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.
People warm up under protective thermal blankets as they prepare to board a bus to be evacuated near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal attacks in Paris
We stand prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance that the government and the people of France need to respond. France is our oldest ally.
The French people have stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States time and again. And we want to be very clear that we stand together with them in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
Paris itself represents the timeless values of human progress. Those who think that they can terrorize the people of France or the values that they stand for are wrong.
The American people draw strength from the French people’s commitment to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness.
People react as they gather to watch the scene near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
We are reminded in this time of tragedy that the bonds of liberté and égalité and fraternité are not only values that the French people care so deeply about, but they are values that we share.
And those values are going to endure far beyond any act of terrorism or the hateful vision of those who perpetrated the crimes this evening.
We’re going to do whatever it takes to work with the French people and with nations around the world to bring these terrorists to justice, and to go after any terrorist networks that go after our people.
We don’t yet know all the details of what has happened. We have been in contact with French officials to communicate our deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed, to offer our prayers and thoughts to those who have been wounded.
TERRORIST ATTACKS
We have offered our full support to them. The situation is still unfolding. I’ve chosen not to call President Hollande at this time, because my expectation is that he’s very busy at the moment.
I actually, by coincidence, was talking to him earlier today in preparation for the G20 meeting. But I am confident that I’ll be in direct communications with him in the next few days, and we’ll be coordinating in any ways that they think are helpful in the investigation of what’s happened.
This is a heartbreaking situation. And obviously those of us here in the United States know what it’s like. We’ve gone through these kinds of episodes ourselves.
And whenever these kinds of attacks happened, we’ve always been able to count on the French people to stand with us. They have been an extraordinary counterterrorism partner, and we intend to be there with them in that same fashion.
The body of a victim is seen covered, along the sidewalk outside a cafe at the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris
I’m sure that in the days ahead we’ll learn more about exactly what happened, and my teams will make sure that we are in communication with the press to provide you accurate information.
I don’t want to speculate at this point in terms of who was responsible for this. It appears that there may still be live activity and dangers that are taking place as we speak.
And so until we know from French officials that the situation is under control, and we have for more information about it, I don’t want to speculate.
Thank you very much.
People gather outside the La Pitie Salpetriere following a series of deadly attacks in Paris
After being whisked from the soccer stadium near the blasts, Hollande declared a nationwide state of emergency - the first in decades - and announced the closure of France's borders to stop perpetrators escaping. The Paris metro railway was closed and schools, universities and municipal buildings were ordered to stay shut on Saturday. However some rail and air services are expected to run.
A French policeman assists a blood-covered victim near the Bataclan concert hall following attacks in Paris
"This is a horror," the visibly shaken president said in a midnight television address to the nation before chairing an emergency cabinet meeting.
photo of Stade de France stadium in Paris where at least two explosions were heard nearby during France-Germany friendly football match was being played
He later went to the scene of the bloodiest attack, the Bataclan music hall, and vowed that the government would wage a "merciless" fight against terrorism.
Police patrol on the Boulevard Voltaire following a series of deadly attacks in Paris
All emergency services were mobilized, police leave was canceled, 1,500 army reinforcements were drafted into the Paris region and hospitals recalled staff to cope with the casualties.
It was unclear whether any gunmen were still on the loose.
Police patrol near Notre Dame Cathedral following a series of deadly attacks in Paris
Radio stations broadcast warnings to Parisians to stay home and leave the streets and urged residents to give shelter to anyone caught out in the street.
French fire brigade members secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
The deadliest attack was on the Bataclan, a popular concert venue where the Californian rock group Eagles of Death Metal was performing. The concert hall is just a few hundred meters from the former offices of the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, which was the target of a deadly attack by Islamist gunmen in January.
U.S. presidential candidates tweet condolences to victims of Paris attacks
U.S. Democratic and Republican presidential candidates express condolences on Twitter after France is rocked by multiple attacks that killed scores of people. Rough Cut
French riot police secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall following a fatal shooting at a restaurant in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
Witnesses in the hall heard the gunmen shout Islamic slogans and slogans condemning France's role in Syria.
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
"We know where these attacks come from," Hollande said, without naming any individual group. "There are indeed good reasons to be afraid."
French police with protective shields walk in line near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris
Amid chaos, Parisians offer refuge to strangers via Twitter
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
People in Paris took to social media to find and offer refuge on Friday night, as the city was gripped by chaos following a string of attacks that left dozens dead.
Translation: "Terrorists capable of such atrocities must know that a determined and united France will face them
The Twitter hashtag #porteouverte, which means "open door" in English, was being used to offer shelter as authorities urged people to evacuate the streets. The hashtag trended globally, with more than 400,000 Tweets using it, in the few hours since its creation.
Rescue services near covered bodies outside a restaurant following a shooting incident in Paris, France
"This account will be used for tweeting and retweeting places to stay safe tonight," said a post from @PorteOuverteFRA, a Twitter handle opened within hours of the attacks.
Police control crowds leaving the Stade de France where explosions were reported to have detonated outside the stadium during the France vs German friendly match near Paris, November 13, 2015
Dozens of addresses and phone numbers for apartments were being tweeted on the handle, and it was retweeting offers of accommodation from other individuals.
Police stand outside the Stade de France where explosions were reported to have detonated outside the stadium during the France vs German friendly soccer match near Paris, November 13, 2015
A post from @LaraPlowright, written in mixed English and French, read: "Anyone stuck around gare du nord area, si besoin (if needed) #porteouverte quartier Gare du Nord, peut loger 2-3 personnes (can accommodate 2-3 people)."
A man lies on the ground as French police check his identity near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 13, 2015. The man was later released after his identity was verified
Other posts on the tag said taxis were offering free transport for anyone in need a lift to shelter.
Still, some people found the process confusing amid the chaos.
Police stand outside the Stade de France where explosions were reported to have detonated outside the stadium during the France vs German friendly soccer match near Paris, November 13, 2015
"I'm not using the tag at the moment, but people are stuck in various areas and cannot leave, I hear," said Alessandra Gargiulio, who was waiting for her landlord's permission to open up her apartment for the night.
Investigators work outside a bar near the Stade de France where explosions were reported to have detonated outside the stadium during the France vs German friendly soccer match near Paris, November 13, 2015
Gargiulio, 24, lives in the 24th arrondissement on the other side of the city from the attacks, but said she could see and hear helicopters and sirens from her apartment. She spoke to Reuters via Facebook messenger.
Police control crowds leaving the Stade de France where explosions were reported to have detonated outside the stadium during the France vs German friendly match near Paris, November 13, 2015
"We're super scared here, it's hell, but we'll use the tag and it's worth trying everything," said Maria Vittoria Zanetti, 23, who had just become aware of the tag. Zanetti, also contacted over Facebook, is stuck at a friend's apartment in the 2nd arrondissement.
Both Gargiulio and Zanetti, 23, have used the Facebook Safety Check to let friends know they are safe.
Crowds leave the Stade de France soccer stadium where explosions were reported during the France vs German friendly match
HIGH ALERT
France has been on high alert ever since the attacks on Charlie Hebdo newspaper and a Kosher supermarket in Paris in January killed 18 people.
General view of the scene with rescue service personnel who work near the a covered body outside a restaurant following shooting incidents in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
Hollande canceled plans to travel to Turkey at the weekend for a G20 summit. He called an emergency meeting of his national security council for 9 a.m. (0800 GMT) on Saturday.
French special forces evacuate people, including an injured man holding his head, as people gather near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
General view of the scene with rescue service personnel working near covered bodies outside a restaurant following shooting incidents in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
An injured man holds his head as people gather near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
French president Hollande's televised address
Following is a translation of the televised address by President Francois Hollande during the deadly attacks in Paris on Friday:
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 13, 2015
"My dear compatriots,
As I speak, terrorist attacks of unprecedented proportions are underway in the Paris area. There are dozens killed, there are many injured. It is a horror.
We have, on my decision, mobilized all forces possible to neutralize the terrorists and make all concerned areas safe. I have also asked for military reinforcements. They are currently in the Paris area, to ensure that no new attack can take place. I have also called a cabinet meeting that will be held in a few minutes.
Rescue workers carrying injured on stretchers into a cafe that's been turned into a makeshift emergency area
Two decisions will be taken: a state of emergency will be declared, which means that some places will be closed, traffic may be banned , and there will also be searches which may be decided throughout Ile de France (greater Paris). The state of emergency will be proclaimed throughout the territory (of France).
NYC with Paris ❤️
The second decision I have made is to close the borders. We must ensure that no one enters to commit any crimes and that those who have committed the crimes that we have unfortunately seen can also be arrested if they should leave the territory.
This is a terrible ordeal which once again assails us.
We know where it comes from, who these criminals are, who these terrorists are.
In these difficult moments, we must - and I'm thinking of the many victims, their families and the injured - show compassion and solidarity. But we must also show unity and calm.
Police storming the Bataclon theatre
Faced with terror, France must be strong, it must be great and the state authorities must be firm. We will be.
We must also call on everyone to be responsible.
French fire brigade members gather near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 14, 2015
What the terrorists want is to scare us and fill us with dread. There is indeed reason to be afraid. There is dread, but in the face of this dread, there is a nation that knows how to defend itself, that knows how to mobilize its forces and, once again, will defeat the terrorists.
Facebook has launched a facility for people in Paris to mark themselves as 'safe' in order to let friends and relatives see that they are ok.
French citizens, we have not completed the operations. There are still some that are extremely difficult. It's at this moment that the security forces are staging an assault, especially in a place in Paris.
I ask you to keep all your trust in what we can do with the security forces to protect our nation from terrorist acts.
Long live the Republic and long live France."
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