As many of us we’re out drinking, having fun with friends, watching TV, or simply getting ready for bed, a horrifying moment in history was unfolding in Paris.
Late on Friday night (13th November), the people of Paris were being attacked by an unknown group of people, intent on killing as many of them as possible.
As the night unfolded, news agencies were reporting that a group of men had stormed a restaurant, concert hall, and shopping mall – shooting people, one by one.
Earlier that evening, the French national football team were playing Germany in an international friendly at the Stade de France, when an explosion was heard outside the stadium – this (as we’ve come to realise now), was the start of the unlawful, and horrifying attacks on this city.
After that shuddering explosion, and reports of hostages being taken in a restaurant and concert hall, French President Francois Hollande, placed France on lockdown – closing its borders with neighboring countries, and flights in/out were cancelled.
Waking up on Saturday, the true realisation of what happened in Paris on Friday night came to fruition. 132 people sadly lost their lives in the attacks, 352 have been injured (99 of them critically) through a series of shootings and explosions.
Flowers placed outside Le Carillon, Paris via Sky News.
Terrorist group IS have claimed responsibility for the attacks, releasing a statement saying France and other countries will ”remain targets”, if they continue air strikes against the terror group.
Francois Hollande has called the attack an ”act of war’, and has announced three days of national mourning for the country.
Across the weekend we’ve seen countless images of some of the worlds most famous landmarks being lit up in french colours – from the Empire State Building in New York, to the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and St Georges Hall in Liverpool.
St Georges Hall, Liverpool lit up in french colours to show solidarity.
These attacks are absolutely sickening, and have been carried out by a group of people hellbent on causing heartache, destruction and war – wherever they can. In this terrible situation, it can be quick for people to judge a whole religion based on whats happened, but we have to remember it’s a small percentage of extremists who carried out this shocking event, not an entire religion. Instead of tearing ourselves apart at this terrible time, all religions should be coming together in solidarity, to send a message to IS – you may hurt us, but you’ll never defeat us.
#PrayForParis
Liam F - Journalist 