Paris is a city in mourning, gripped by fear and shock following the brutal killing of innocent lives in Friday night’s series of attacks across the
ADVERTISEMENTParis is a city in mourning, gripped by fear and shock following the brutal killing of innocent lives in Friday night’s series of attacks across the city.
The French President Francois Hollande described the horrific events as an act of war against France.
Scores were killed and hundreds remain in hospital.
Karim, a Paris resident said: “there are no words, there are no words… apart from coming here and expressing my grief”.
Another Parisian, Olivia, explained: “I would never have thought that this could happen in my neighbourhood, next to my home. I’m coming to terms with the fact this can happen everywhere, and that no safe place exists.”
Vigils have been taking place across Paris, with large numbers gathering at the restaurants were many of those who died were enjoying the start of the weekend.
The crowds also gathered at a square near the Bataclan concert hall, where dozens were slain, united in grief.
“Just after Charlie Hebdo (attacks in January this year), we thought, ok, the Vigipirate plan will help us,” said one Paris resident named Antonio. “It will save us, we are safe, we can carry on with our lives, we can keep on building our lives and believing. Today, it’s clear that Vigipirate is not working. We have to find other solutions, or they have to prove to us that we can get out and do our shopping safely, normally… It will be Christmas soon, and shops are crowded, we don’t know if we can go there or not.”
Questions now remain in France over what the government can do to prevent attacks like those experienced in January and again on Friday night.
Security measures had been stepped up but the ease with which the perpetrators killed dozens in cold blood across the city has left many French wondering whether enough had been done.