The Eiffel Tower Goes Dark In Wake Of Paris Terrorist Attacks
France, and indeed the whole world, is in shock following the terrorist attacks that took place in Paris yesterday. A string of violent attacks has left well over 100 people dead. Friends and family members outside Paris are frantic for news from their loved ones, as they endure the aftershock of the attacks.
The iconic Eiffel Tower, which is typically lit with glowing lights from top to bottom, has gone dark in a statement of respect and mourning for those killed in the attacks. According to the Mirror, the Eiffel Tower is also closed to visitors and tourists. A short but effective message is displayed on Paris’ iconic structure’s website. “The Eiffel Tower is currently closed. Thank you for your understanding.”
PARIS: Armed guards stand watch as the Eiffel Tower is kept dark in honor of the 129 victims of the #ParisAttacks pic.twitter.com/qahx30OFuL
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) November 15, 2015
The Sunday Express reports that a unique peace sign, with the Eiffel Tower in the center, has gone viral in the aftermath of the Paris terrorist attacks. Along with this poignant image, which was created by Jean Jullien, the hashtags #PrayforParis and #JesuisParis are making waves on Twitter.
French flag will be projected on ice during moment of silence; Peace sign / Eiffel Tower expected on scoreboard pic.twitter.com/DgYFLu0P8S
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) November 14, 2015
According to NBC News, the vast majority of the casualties of the attacks occurred at the Bataclan Concert Hall in Paris. Stoked for a fun night out to see the band Eagles of Death Metal, fans of the band were shocked to instead find themselves in the center of the Paris terrorist attacks. Eighty-nine people were gunned down in cold blood by the terrorists.
Paris attacks: Musician’s emotional performance of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ outside Bataclan concert hall https://t.co/jrlVZ1U0Ng
— Ram Ramgopal (@RamCNN) November 14, 2015
At the nearby national stadium, Stade de France, soccer fans were enjoying a game between France and Germany until terrorists wearing explosive belts invaded the stadium, setting off their bombs. Reports state that eight of the Paris terrorist attackers were also killed, seven due to suicide bombs, and one killed by authorities at the Bataclan.
The President of France, François Hollande, quickly closed all French borders and declared a state of emergency in Paris. The level of devastation is evident in Hollande’s solemn words.
“Terrorist attacks of an unprecedented magnitude are in play in Paris. It’s horror. I’ve asked for military reinforcements to make sure that no other attack can happen.
“For all those who’ve seen these atrocities, rest assured — we want to say that we will bring the fight against terrorism and will be without pity because when terrorists are capable of such atrocities, it will certainly be faced with a determined France, a united France.”
ISIS, or the Islamic State, has claimed responsibility for the Paris terrorist attacks. The attack took place mere hours after it was confirmed that feared ISIS executioner, Jihadi John, was confirmed dead.
President Hollande has called the attack on Paris an “act of war,” and promises a merciless retaliation.
The horrendous terrorist attacks in Paris have left France dumbstruck and shaken. The whole world is on edge, wondering what will happen next. What do you think?
[Image via Shutterstock]
