This is absolutely horrible and completely heartbreaking.
Today in Paris, France there was a devastating shooting at the offices of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo that has left at least 12 dead.
The attack, now being labeled a ‘terrorist operation’ by President Fran├â┬ºois Hollande, is France’s deadliest terror attack in twenty years.
Among those dead are two French policeman and famed French cartoonists, known by their pen names: Cabu, Tignous, Wolinski, and Charb (who is also the magazine’s publisher).
The Associated Press is reporting that there were THREE gunmen who carried out the attack after a press conference with French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, not two as previously thought, and that they’re all still on the loose. They also were supposedly shouting “Allahu akbar” while shooting.
Reporters at the scene of the crime quotes a policeman who said:
“It’s carnage.”
Absolutely heartbreaking.
President Barack Obama has also released a statement showing support for France in this troubled time.
He said:
“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.”
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time an attack has happened on the magazine.
Charlie Hebdo is well known for drawing criticism from the muslim world for their satirical cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad.
In 2011, their offices were firebombed after publishing an edition with Muhammad on the cover.
Our hearts go out to those families affected by this terror attack and the victims of the shooting are in our thoughts and prayers.
[Image via AP Images.]
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