Tag: Paris

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Paris: Pianist Davide Martello Pulls Piano To Concert Hall, Plays John Lennon’s “Imagine”

Unidentified pianist pulls his piano to the concert hall Bataclan where he played a somber "Imagine" by John Lennon
(image via Twitter)

Today in Paris, musician Davide Martello pulled his piano via bike to right in front of The Bataclan, the concert hall where over 100 were murdered last night in terrorist attacks.

After situating himself, he quietly began playing John Lennon’s “Imagine.” When he finished, overwhelmed by emotion, he left without speaking or identifying himself.

(source)

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French President Hollande Promises “Merciless” Response To Terrorist Attacks

From NBC News:

French President Francois Hollande vowed a “merciless” response to the deadliest attacks on the country’s soil since World War II as ISIS claimed responsibility Saturday for a coordinated assault on Paris.

A state of emergency was declared and France deployed 1,500 troops after a near-simultaneous series of explosions and shootings brought the city to a horrified standstill overnight. The death toll rose to 127 and 200 other people were wounded, officials said.

Speaking early Saturday, Hollande pointed the finger at ISIS for orchestrating the “cowardly” attacks which he described as an “act of war committed by a terrorist army” and organized from abroad. He said France remained “unbreakable,” calling for “unity and courage.”

Hollande added: “We will work alongside our allies to fight this terrorist menace … France is strong and even if she is wounded she will get up always and nothing will hold her down, even if we are feeling the grief now … We will defend ourselves.”

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President Obama Condemns Terrorist Attacks In Paris

President Obama is calling the attacks on Paris “outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians” and is vowing to do whatever it takes to help bring the perpetrators to justice.

French President Francois Hollande has declared a national state of emergency and has ordered all of France’s borders closed for an indefinite period.

Here is the latest report by the AP on the attacks:

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Paris: Terrorist Attack On French Magazine Charlie Hebdo – 12 Dead, 5 Injured

In what has been described as a terrorist act, 12 people are confirmed dead plus five more injured after three gunmen attacked the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris.

Four of the magazine’s well-known cartoonists, including its editor-in-chief, were among those killed, as well as two police officers.

A major police operation is under way to find three gunmen who fled by car.

President Francois Hollande said there was no doubt it had been a terrorist attack “of exceptional barbarity”.

The masked attackers opened fire with assault rifles in the office and exchanged shots with police in the street outside before escaping by car.

They later abandoned the car in Rue de Meaux, northern Paris. Witnesses said they heard the gunmen shouting “we have avenged the Prophet Muhammad”.

President Obama issued this statement:

I strongly condemn the horrific shooting at the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris that has reportedly killed 12 people. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrorist attack and the people of France at this difficult time.

France is America’s oldest ally, and has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the fight against terrorists who threaten our shared security and the world.

Time and again, the French people have stood up for the universal values that generations of our people have defended. France, and the great city of Paris where this outrageous attack took place, offer the world a timeless example that will endure well beyond the hateful vision of these killers.

We are in touch with French officials and I have directed my Administration to provide any assistance needed to help bring these terrorists to justice.