This morning, France remains in a state of emergency after a violent terrorist attack in Paris killed at least 127 citizens last night. These horrendous attacks are being called the deadliest european bombings since those in madrid in 2004.
ISIS has claimed responsibility, calling the attacks a “miracle.” French President Hollande has declared the attacks an “act of war” by ISIS.
Police have confirmed that eight terrorists have been killed, most by suicide bomb.
The Bataclan concert hall where American band Eagles of Death Metal were performing was taken hostage by armed gunmen. Around 100 lives lost were at the Bataclan as gunmen fired openly. When police stormed the hall, three gunmen blew themselves up; the final gunman was killed by police.
Two suicide bombers detonated bombs outside the Stade de France where President Hollande was attending a match. It is unclear why they decided to detonate outside of the stadium- if they had entered the stadium, many more lives would have been lost. A Syrian passport was found near the body of one of the bombers, though it is not yet known whether or not it confirms the bomber’s actual identity.
Several other locations including various restaurants and bars were also targeted. Shop owners report that they saw bodies “lying everywhere.”
Paris has closed its borders and citizens have responded to the attacks with a strong display of unity and patriotism. President Hollande has declared the next three days national days of mourning.
Watch live coverage of the event here: