This afternoon I went for a brief walk at a local park. When I came back to my apartment I checked Facebook and saw a message from my Mom asking if I knew about Paris. I replied "No" and went to google. At the top of the search was a headline mentioning several attacks in Paris and 35 dead with several held hostage at the Bataclan theater.
now, CNN has the death toll at 153, with over 100 of those occurring inside the theater, and, with over 50 seriously injured, that number is likely to go up. France has since been placed under a state of emergency and Paris has a mandatory curfew for the first time since 1944. We have some reports that a few of the gunmen at large while others say all were killed.
There is so much we as of yet do not know. While there is much in the news that ISIS was responsible, I must remind you that it is at times like this, in the midst of a chaotic event, that rumors fly. We have heard from some that it was carried out by ISIS, I have seen at least 3 different death tolls (120, 153, 158). We don't know if they were refugees or if they came from the cités around Paris. It will be at least 24 hours before we know much of the details of who was behind it, who the men were that carried it out, and the ultimate death toll.
What is clear is that this was not an attack by a deranged quack or a lonely duo of losers; this was well-planned and well-orchestrated terrorist attack. This was not Fort Hood, this was not Boston, this was Mumbai.
Some have said ISIS, if they were truly behind this, wants us to strike back. They want us to strike back. Well, in response to that sentiment I quote William T. Sherman:
"War is the remedy our enemies have chosen. Other simple remedies were within their choice. Yon know it and they know it, but they wanted war, and I say let us give them all they want; not a word of argument, not a sign of let up, no cave in till we are whipped or they are."
I will post updates as the story develops.
Update (9:58am): ISIS has claimed responsibility. LINK
Update (1037am): Death toll has been lowered to 127.
Update (2:49pm): Death toll now at 129, including 1 American. 352 injured, over 90 "critically". Arrests in Brussels.
Update (5:24pm): A good article on the topic and what France can do going forward, as well as the problems they face: LINK
Update (12: pm): Evening mass at Notre Dame (may be winding down), LINK* while French law enforcement hunt for a person involved.
*Yeah, it's a Russia Today affiliate, but it was the only one I could find. Sorry.
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Where I will attempt to steal this -->
I cannot wait for this! It's going to be amazing. :)
