The attack on French publication Charlie Hebdo has drawn international support for the French people and victims.
On Wednesday at about noon, three gunmen entered the building of French magazine Charlie Hebdo and opened fire on employees and officers, killing 12 Parisians. Charlie Hebdo, or Charlie Weekly, is a satirical publication that has ridiculed and caricatured religious leaders all over the world. The publication has drawn criticism from Muslims around the globe for its depictions of the Prophet Muhammad. The three gunmen killed 10 members of the newspaper as well as two police officers in the attack.
Bystanders captured some of the events on digital media, which recorded one of the attackers yelling, "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) while gunshots crackled. The three gunmen were identified as brothers Said Kouachi (34) and Cheriff Kouachi (36), as well as Hamyd Mourad (18). The Kouachi brothers are French nationals, but Mourad's nationality is unclear. Said and Cheriff are Algerian and came back from Syria this summer.
The gunmen used Kalashnikov automatic rifles and a pump shotgun in the attack. They killed the receptionist of the building before entering an editorial meeting and killed eight journalists in an execution like manner. Co-founder Jean Cabut and editor-in-chief Stephane Charbonnier were among the deceased. 11 others were injured in the attack. French officials are currently searching for the gunmen, who drove away in a black vehicle.
Later that evening, over 15,000 individuals gathered for a vigil. Many view the attack as an attempt to limit the freedom of speech. French President Francois Hollande shared his grief with the French people.
"Nothing can divide us, nothing can separate us," stated President Hollande in a televised statement. "We will win. Nothing will make us renounce our determination. Long live the republic. Long live France."
President Obama expressed unity with France in the mourning of the 12 deaths. "I strongly condemn the horrific shooting at the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris," stated the President of the United States. "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."
President Hollande shared his commitment to keep the freedom of press and speech alive and strong in France.
The jouranlists "are our heroes," he said. "And that is why tomorrow will be a day of national mourning, a decreed day. At 12 o'clock there will be a moment of contemplation in all public services," stated the French President.
