Terrorist Attacks In Paris, France: World Leaders And Celebrities Respond
One day after the horrific terrorist attacks throughout the city of Paris, France, world leaders and celebrities are responding. Celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and more took to social media to show an outpouring of sympathy towards the attack victims. World leaders such as Barack Obama, Pope Francis, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, and countless others also pledged their solidarity with France as the world tries to make sense of this act of violence.
On the evening of November 13, the deadliest attack in France since World War II unfolded, leaving the death toll at 127 and climbing. The terrorist attacks were orchestrated in six locations throughout the city and included suicide bombings and mass shootings. One of the restaurants where one of the shootings took place is near the location where the deadly Charlie Hebdo shootings took place this past January.
According to CNN, investigations are ongoing, but ISIS has claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks. Terrorist raids have been conducted as far as Belgium, as a car rented in Brussels was found near one of the attack sites.
Saturday morning, flags in France were at half-mast as a show of solidarity for the victims. As Paris is left to deal with the aftermath, more of the world has begun to respond to the senseless acts of violence.
World Leaders Respond
Among the first to respond to the Paris terrorist attacks was United States President Barack Obama. He expressed his sympathy by saying, “This is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share. We stand prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance the people of France need to respond.”
According to U.S. News, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain has also sent her sincere condolences to French President Francois Hollande
Pope Francis added to the global outpouring of love and confusion around the attacks. “There is no religious or human justification for it. I am close to the people of France, to the families of the victims, and I am praying for all of them,” he said.
Celebrities Respond on Twitter
World leaders weren’t the only ones responding to the senseless massacre in France. Celebrities immediately took to Twitter and social media to express their grief, sympathy, and in some cases, opinion on the attacks.
Talk show host and attorney Geraldo Rivera did an interview following the attacks, explaining tearfully that his daughter was present during the Paris attacks but made it out safely.
Demi Lovato said, “Just heard about Paris, praying for you all right now.”
Kendall Jenner posted a simple tweet that said, “praying for Paris.”
Justin Bieber added, “Had a great first show but just heard about what happened in Paris. Thoughts and prayers with everyone #PrayForParis”
Just heard about Paris, praying for you all right now ????
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) November 13, 2015
Had a great first show but just heard about what happened in Paris. Thoughts and prayers with everyone #PrayForParis
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) November 14, 2015
Meanwhile, other influential celebrities and leaders wasted no time in expressing their opinion on the crisis in Paris, some even showing an “I told you so” attitude.
Donald Trump led the pack on Twitter. One of his tweets read, “President Obama said ‘ISIL continues to shrink’ in an interview just hours before the horrible attack in Paris. He is just so bad! CHANGE.”
This tweet was followed by another, which some have labeled as insensitive and ill-timed.
We need much tougher, much smarter leadership – and we need it NOW!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 14, 2015
As the world continues to respond in the aftermath of the Paris, France, terrorist attacks, one thing has become apparent; leaders, celebrities, and everyday citizens worldwide have come together in a show of support for the victims and for France as a nation. Our positive thoughts go out to anyone affected and to the people of Paris.
[Image via Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images]
