The terrorists who attacked Charlie Hebdo and the Hyper Casher Kosher supermarket this past week most likely believed that their actions would silence a satirical publication and its readers, and tear people of different religions apart.
Instead, their brutal actions awoke a nation and in turn, the world:
More than 100,000 people gathered in cities around France as night fell to pay tribute to the 12 people gunned down in an attack against the Charlie Hebdo satirical weekly on Wednesday.In Paris tens of thousands more gathered at Republique square, not far from where the attack took place, police said. Officials in cities such as Marseille, Toulouse and Lyon also reported thousands gathering in public spaces on the country’s darkest day in decades.Demonstrators wore black stickers marked “Je suis Charlie” (I am Charlie), a slogan aimed at showing solidarity with the victims of the deadliest attack in France in decades.In a somber address to the nation, Hollande pledged to hunt down the killers and urged the country to come together after the tragedy.”Let us unite, and we will win,” he said. “Vive la France!”
The terror attacks have inspired songs and artwork, and the “#JeSuisCharlie” hashtag has gone viral.
Outside of France, citizens rally online and in the streets in solidarity with Charlie Hebdo:
Tomorrow, millions are expected to rally in Paris in support of the victims of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, free speech, and a free press. We’ll be providing live coverage tomorrow starting at 9 am ET, as well as coverage of rallies in Washington, DC and around the world.
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