The City of Lights Are Off

By Sandalie Gamage

On November 13, 2015, Paris was attacked by a terrorist group. A reported 129 people are dead due to shooting and bombing. The first attack took place at a concert, killing over 80 people. Five other places were also bombed: a mall, stadium, and restaurants.

The police are saying that the six attacks were coordinated, beginning and ending at specific times. The terrorist group was identified as I.S.I.S. They also claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Seven people were identified as the suicide bombers and the gunmen. One person, however, is still on the loose. Police are saying that the man got past security alongside Syrian refugees leaving Syria.

The attacks led the French president, Francois Hollande, to declare war on the terrorist group. He said it was a merciless crime. Many citizens of France were among the dead, including people of several other nationalities.

One American, Nohemi Gonzalez, was on of the people who died. She was 23, a senior in college. She had attended Cal State Long Beach and was a foreign exchange student studying in Paris. All 16 other exchange students had been accounted for.

Though the death count is at 129, over 300 people were injured, some severely. The attacks on Paris are still a shock to many around the world. Many people taking to social media to post a picture of a peace sign with the Eiffel Tower inside of it. Many celebrities also posted a picture, including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Kim Kardashian.

“The attacks must have been so scary for the people there and it’s so sad,” said Emmie Koch, an 8th grader on team Mustangs. The Paris attacks are one of many attacks that have I.S.I.S.’s name in it. They were a tragic event according to many around the world, who are sending their love and condolences to France, some famous landmarks lighting up with the colors of the French flag.