[PHOTOS] NYC shows solidarity with Paris following terrorist attacks

Lexi Faunce and Christine Wang
November 14, 2015

  • Hundreds gathered in Washington Square Park on Saturday, waving French flags and signs of solidarity with Paris.

    Alex Bazeley
    '

  • Many brought signs to Washington Square Park on Saturday that showed solidarity with the people of Paris.

    Christine Wang
    '

  • New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks with the media about standing in solidarity with Paris and plans to increase NYPD presence throughout NYC.

    Anne Cruz
    '

  • Supporters at Saturday’s gathering in Washington Square Park wrote messages to the people of Paris on posters taped to the gorund.

    Christine Wang
    '

  • A young man watches on, wearing a sweatshirt to show his solidarity with the people of Paris.

    Alex Bazeley
    '

  • Two young kids show their support with homemade signs in Washington Square Park on Saturday.

    Christine Wang
    '

  • Supporters gathered around a chalk drawing that brought together the Eiffel Tower and a peace sign in Union Square on Friday night.

    Anne Cruz
    '

  • Some lit candles around a chalk peace sign in Union Square on Friday night.

    Anne Cruz
    '
Navigate Left
Navigate Right

Paris was struck with an immense tragedy Friday night after a group of terrorists killed 129 people and wounded over 300 more. The assailants coordinated six different attacks around the capital, targeting concert-goers, soccer fans and cafe diners.

The attacks began at the Stade de France during a soccer match between the German and French national teams. The French President, François Hollande, was immediately evacuated from the stadium following the initial explosion outside the sports stadium.

In addition, a mass shooting broke out at the Bataclan, a French concert hall. Over 100 hostages were taken and later killed by the attackers.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has since claimed responsibility for the heartbreaking atrocities in Paris. In response, Hollande has closed French borders and declared three days of national mourning.  

Numerous cities across the world have shown their support for those who have lost their lives and continue to stand in solidarity with the French people.

More than 70 New Yorkers gathered in Union Square last night for a vigil commemorating those who have lost their lives.

GSAS student Louis Rollet attended the vigil after discovering it via Facebook. Rollet said the attacks will have major domestic and international political consequences, but he is thankful for the safety of his friends and his family members in Paris.   

“A friend of mine who lives like one block away from the first attack called me right away when it happened,” Rollet said. “Everybody’s safe on my part, all of my family and friends. I’m happy for that.”

New Yorkers continued to show their support Saturday afternoon during a rally in Washington Square Park. People from all over the city gathered, framed by the arch and the freedom tower, while Parisians sang the national anthem. French flags and Eiffel Tower peace signs waved in the crowd.

Supporters huddled around two posters taped to the ground, leaving emotional notes in various languages and messages such as, “They will not win!”

A young boy walked around wide-eyed, one hand clinging to his mom with the other holding a drawing of the Eiffel Tower. A man with “Republique Francaise” on his crewneck stood over the posters with anguish visible on his face.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio urged the crowd to stay strong during this moment of sorrow. De Blasio also said NYPD presence will increase in the city’s busiest areas during the following days.

“We should continue our lives as normal and we will not be intimidated by terrorists,” de Blasio said.

Additional reporting by Anne Cruz.

Email Lexi and Christine at [email protected].