Paris Attacks — Death Toll Over 100 and Climbing
UPDATE (Saturday 10:00 A.M. ET): According to CNN, French officials have put the number of casualties at 128, although that number may change. A total of 180 people, including some Americans, were hurt. CNN also reports ISIS has also claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The New York Times reports the group released a statement saying, "Eight brothers, wrapped in explosive belts and armed with machine rifles, targeted sites that were accurately chosen in the heart of the capital of France, including the Stade de France during the match between the Crusader German and French teams, where the fool of France, François Hollande, was present. Let France and those who walk in its path know that they will remain on the top of the list of targets of the Islamic State."
Original story below
Paris continues to deal with a series of attacks that have killed many and caused chaos throughout the city.
Multiple reports state there are now over 100 fatalities in the attacks that rocked the French capital on Friday evening. The attacks were reportedly a coordinated effort at three locations throughout the city. There are conflicting reports that France has closed its borders.
Paris' deputy mayor says the latest death toll is 118, while CNN has the count at 153:
French President Francois Hollande spoke to the country in a nationwide address, in which he said, "As I speak, terrorist attacks of an unprecedented scale are taking place in the Paris region. There are several dozen dead, lots more wounded, it’s horrific.”
An Associated Press report initially said several dozen people had been killed.
According to police, there was gunfire in at least a pair of restaurants in the French capital. A minimum of two explosions were also reported at the Stade de France stadium.
French media claims there was also a hostage situation developing, at a concert venue, while CNN is reporting that the siege is over and that over 100 people have died. It is also being reported that 100 hostages have been freed, and that two attackers have been killed.
Paris, of course, is no stranger to violence. Earlier this year, a dozen people were killed when gunmen opened fire at the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
You can hear one of the explosions below, which occurred during a soccer match between France and Germany. President Hollande was at the match and evacuated:
You can see some people who survived the attacks being helped in the video below:
President Barack Obama on Paris attacks: "This is an attack on all of humanity."
[UPDATE] Facebook is offering the ability for people in Paris to mark themselves as "SAFE."