The evening of Nov. 13, 2015 began quietly. However, at 9:20 p.m., local time, mass shootings, suicide bombings, and hostage-takings ripped through the French capital, culminating in a police standoff with terrorists at the Bataclan theatre that lasted until 12:58 a.m. the next morning.
139 people have been declared dead as a result of the attacks, while 430 people are injured – 80 of whom are in serious condition. 89 people were killed during a mass shooting and hostage-taking at the Bataclan theatre. At the time, the theatre was filled with approximately 1,500 people attending a concert performance.
Shortly after the attacks were conducted, representatives from ISIL took to social media to announce their involvement in the attacks. In response, French President Francois Hollande condemned the terrorist group and declared the first French state of emergency since 2005.
“We have, on my decision, mobilised all forces possible to neutralize the terrorists and make all concerned areas safe,” said President Hollande, in a Nov. 13, 2015 speech. “I have also asked for military reinforcements. They are currently in the Pais area, to ensure that no new attack can take place.”
In addition to declaring a state of emergency, President Hollande announced that France’s borders would be closed indefinitely.
“We must ensure that no one enters to commit any crimes, and that those who have committed the crimes that we have unfortunately seen can also be arrested if they should leave the territory,” explained President Holland, in the same speech.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement mourning the loss of lives, while reiterating Canada’s alliance with France.
“I am shocked and saddened that so many people have been killed and injured today in a number of terrorist attacks in Paris, France, and that many others are being held hostage,” said Prime Minister Trudeau, in a Nov. 13, 2015 statement. “Canada stands with France at this dark time and offers all possible assistance. We will continue to work closely with the international community to help prevent these terrible, senseless acts.”
At the same time as the Paris attacks, 20 world leaders were meeting in Antalya, Turkey to attend the annual G-20 summit. At the conference in Antalya, American President Barack Obama delivered a speech condemning ISIL and expressing solidarity with the French people.
“This is an attack not just on Paris, it’s an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share,” said President Obama in a Nov. 13, 2015 speech. “We stand prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance that the government and people of France need to respond. France is our oldest ally. The French people have stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States time and again. And we want to be very clear that we stand together with them in the fight against terrorism and extremism.”
World leaders have since begun taking to referring to ISIL by an Arabic pejorative term, Daesh. The word is an Arabic acronym for ISIL’s proper Arabic name, and is largely considered a term of insult in the Arabic-speaking world.