ISIS attacks Paris on Nov. 14

Alyssa Hotchkiss
Staff Writer
      Horror struck Paris. In total, six locations were targeted by the terrorist group ISIS: Stade de France, Rue de la Fontaine au Roi, restaurant Le Petit Cambodge, Concert venue Bataclan restaurant Le Belle Equipe, and Avenue de Republique. At least one hundred twenty-eight people are dead from the gunfire and blasts. U.S President Barack Obama spoke with the France President, Francois Hollande, to offer help in the investigation of this horrific attack. Obama said, "This is an attack not just on Paris, not just on the people on France, but an attack on all humanity and the universal values we share." He called the attacks an "outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians." Not only was this an attack on Paris, but it was a threat to everyone else. Russian leader Vladimir Putin sends his condolences to Hollande and France saying, “Russia strongly condemns this inhumane killing and is ready to provide any and all assistance to investigate these terrorist crimes." Hollande had told a group of reporters outside Bataclan that "terrorists capable of carrying out such atrocities must know that they will face a France that is determined and united."
      Fourteen people were killed in Le Petit Cambodge; civilians had heard gunshots from outside and then the glass windows of the restaurant shattering down. Mostly all dropped to the floor hiding under tables. The worst scene was at Bataclan with at least eighty left dead. A witness told Radio France that they had heard attackers shouting “Allah Akbar” as they entered Bataclan shooting their rifles. A journalist who was at a concert there escaped and told CNN; "We lied down on the floor not to get hurt. It was a huge panic. The terrorists shot at us for 10 to 15 minutes. It was a bloodbath.”
Seven of the attackers were killed in suicide bombings. Four more were killed, three of whom were wearing explosive belts during a police raid. Five other suspected attackers are claimed to be “neutralized”; whether they are dead or not is unsure. The total amount of attackers and whether they are dead or alive is also unconfirmed.
      This is a very difficult time for France and the citizens who live there.  U.S. citizens in Paris who are safe are being asked by the State Department to call their families. Those Americans in France needing assistance should call 001-202-501-4444. Americans concerned about loved ones in Paris should call 1-888-407-4747.

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