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| Charlie Hebdo shooting | |
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Journalists, policemen, and emergency services in the street of the shooting, a few hours after the attack
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| Location | 10 rue Nicolas-Appert, 11th arrondissement of Paris, France[1] |
| Coordinates | 48°51′33″N 2°22′13″E / 48.859246°N 2.370258°E / 48.859246; 2.370258 |
| Date | 7 January 2015 (2015-01-07) 11:30 CET (UTC+01:00) |
| Target | Charlie Hebdo employees |
Attack type | Armed attack |
| Weapons | Kalashnikov rifles |
| Deaths | 12 |
| Injured | 11 |
| Perpetrator | Two gunmen, one driver[2] |
| Motive | Islamic terrorism |
On 7 January 2015, at approximately 11:30 CET (10:30 UTC), two masked gunmen armed with Kalashnikov rifles, a shotgun, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher stormed the headquarters of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris.[4] They shot and killed 12 people, and wounded 11 others.[2][5][6]
The gunmen entered the building and began shooting with automatic weapons, while shouting "Allahu Akbar".[7] Up to 50 shots were fired during the attack.[8] The two gunmen and a driver escaped in a car, and are still at large. The incident is the deadliest mass murder to occur on French soil since 1989.[9][10][11]
Charlie Hebdo (French pronunciation: [ʃaʁli ɛbdo]; French for Weekly Charlie) is a French satirical weekly newspaper, featuring cartoons, reports, polemics, and jokes. Irreverent and stridently non-conformist in tone, the publication is strongly antireligious[12] and left-wing, publishing articles about the extreme right, Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, politics, and culture, among other issues.
Charlie Hebdo was first published from 1969 to 1981. It folded, but was resurrected in 1992. Stéphane "Charb" Charbonnier was the editor from 2009 until his death in this shooting.
The publication was controversial in the past. The cover of a 2011 issue, dubbed "Charia Hebdo", depicted a cartoon of the Islamic prophet Muhammed.[13] The newspaper's office, at the time in the 20th arrondissement, was fire-bombed[14] and its website hacked. The following year, the newspaper published a series of satirical cartoons of Muhammad, including nude caricatures;[15][16] this came days after a series of attacks on U.S. embassies in the Middle East, purportedly in response to the anti-Islamic film Innocence of Muslims, prompting the French government to close embassies, consulates, cultural centers, and international schools in about 20 Muslim countries.[17] Riot police surrounded the newspaper's offices to protect against possible attacks.[16][18][19]
On 7 January 2015, at approximately 11:30 CET (10:30 UTC), two masked gunmen armed with Kalashnikov rifles, a shotgun, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher stormed the headquarters of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris.[20][21] They opened fire with automatic weapons while shouting "Allahu Akbar", as reflected on video of the attack.[7] They shot and killed 12 people, and wounded 11 others.[22][2] Two of those they killed were police officers.[23]
Cartoonist Corinne Rey reported that two armed and hooded men, speaking perfect French, forced her to type in the code to open the door to the building.[24] The men first began shooting in the entrance hallway of the building, then moved up to an office on the second floor, where the staff was in an editorial meeting, with approximately 15 members in attendance.[25] The entire shooting lasted between five and ten minutes. Witnesses reported that the gunmen sought out members of the staff by name[26] before executing them with single shots to the head.[27] Other witnesses reported that the gunmen identified themselves as belonging to al-Qaeda in Yemen.[28]
An authenticated video surfaced on the Internet showing two gunmen, along with a wounded police officer contorting with pain on the sidewalk after an exchange of gunfire. One of the gunmen then ran towards the policeman, shouting, "You wanted to kill me?" The policeman then answered "No, it's good, chief", raising his hand towards the gunman, before being shot in the head at close range by him.[29] The two gunmen then left the scene, shouting in natural French that "[w]e have avenged the Prophet Muhammad, we killed Charlie Hebdo".[30][31][32]
The gunmen escaped in a getaway car and drove to Porte de Pantin, where they hijacked another car, forcing the driver out.[2] As they fled, they ran over a pedestrian and shot at responding police officers.[33] There are three suspects in total.[22] As of the afternoon of 7 January, they are still at large.[2]
Twelve people were killed in the attack. Eleven died inside the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo, including a police officer assigned as a bodyguard for Charb. The twelfth victim was a second police officer who was killed outside while responding to the attack.[26] The cartoonists Charb, Cabu, Honoré, Tignous, and Wolinski were killed in the attack.[34] Other victims included the economist Bernard Maris;[35][36] Michel Renaud, founder of the Rendez-vous du carnet de Voyage Festival; and a janitor employed by Sodexo.[37] Another eleven people were injured in the attack, four of them seriously. This included a police officer who was seriously injured in the leg.[38]
Saïd and Chérif Kouachi were identified by police as the main suspects in the shooting. The two Franco-Algerian brothers, both from Gennevilliers, are about thirty years old. They had just returned from Syria. Chérif had been previously condemned for smuggling jihadists in Iraq.[39][40] An 18-year-old homeless man of unknown nationality, known as Hamyd Mourad has been identified by the police as another suspect in the shooting.[41] Police officers are currently searching their apartments.[42] The RAID, the special operations tactical unit of the French National Police, is about to launch an assault in Reims, where the suspects have been located.[43]
The attack has been widely condemned by the French and other governments. French President François Hollande addressed media outlets at the scene of the shooting and called it "undoubtedly a terrorist attack", and added that "several [other] terrorist attacks were thwarted in recent weeks".[44] He later described the shooting as a "terrorist attack of the most extreme barbarity"[45] and declared a day of national mourning on 8 January.[46]
Anne Hidalgo, attending a rally in the Place de la République in the wake of the shooting, said, "What we saw today was an attack on the values of our republic, Paris is a peaceful place. These cartoonists, writers and artists used their pens with a lot of humour to address sometimes awkward subjects and as such performed an essential function." She also proposed that Charlie Hebdo "be adopted as a citizen of honour" by Paris.[47]
Many condolences and notable statements have also been offered by international leaders and governments:
Brazil – President Dilma Rousseff expressed outrage and remorse, "It is with deep regret and indignation that I learned today of the bloody and intolerable attack on Charlie Hebdo. I wish to extend my condolences to the families of the victims during this time of pain and suffering. I also want extend our government's solidarity to the French people on behalf of the entire Brazilian nation."[48]
Canada – Prime Minister Stephen Harper described the attacks as barbaric violence, and added that "Canada and its allies will not be intimidated and will continue to stand firmly together against terrorists who would threaten the peace, freedom and democracy our countries so dearly value. Canadians stand with France on this dark day."[49]
Colombia – The Government of Colombia, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a press release condemning the attack against Charlie Hebdo and declared it as an act of terrorism. The Colombian Government also lamented the attack and called France “a partner and friend of Colombia”, while also defending life and the freedom of speech as “inviolable universal rights.” [50]
Denmark – Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt noted, "Completely defenceless and innocent people became the victims of what appears to be an attack on free speech. The French society, like ours, is open, democratic and based on a free and critical press. Those are values that are deeply rooted in all of us, and which we shall protect. It is also those very values that make France a strong society that can withstand an attack like this."[51]
Egypt – Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry offered his condolences on behalf of Egypt, saying, "Egypt stands by France in confronting terrorism, an international phenomenon that targets the world's security and stability and which requires co-ordinated international efforts to eradicate."[52]
European Union – The European Union leadership condemned the attack and expressed its solidarity with France. Newly appointed European Council President Donald Tusk expressed his shock at the shooting and said, "The European Union stands beside France after this appalling act. It is a brutal attack against our fundamental values and against the freedom of expression, a pillar of our democracy. The fight against terrorism in all its forms must continue unabated."[46]
Germany – Chancellor Angela Merkel called the attack an abhorrent act, and added that it was "[n]ot just an attack on the life of French citizens and the internal security of France. It also represents an attack on freedom of opinion and of the press, (an attack on) a core element of our free and democratic culture, [an attack] for which there can be no justification."[53]
India – President Pranab Mukherjee condemned the terrorist attack and said, "Terror and violence have no place in any corner of the world. The world community must unite to root out terror from every country and society." Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered further condolences, saying, "Our solidarity with [the] people of France. My thoughts are with [the] families of those who lost their lives."[54]
Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack as "brutal act of savagery" and sent condolences to the French people. He stressed that the free world must unite against Islamic terrorism.[55] Foreign Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman also sent condolences to the victims' families, and said, "Israel sympathizes with France's pain. The world must not allow terrorists to intimidate the free world and the West is obligated to stand united and determined against this threat".[56]
Italy – Prime Minister Matteo Renzi expressed a feeling of horror and dismay regarding the attack. He offered his best wishes to the people of France and noted his close relationships with President François Hollande and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. "Violence will always lose against freedom and democracy," he added.[57] He was later invited to the French embassy where he declared "We are all French, because we think freedom is the only 'raison d'etre' of Europe and European citizens"[58]
Portugal – The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered their sincerest condolences, saying, "We strongly condemn the violent attack that took place today in Paris and we deeply lament the loss of life. We are closely monitoring the situation from the Embassy of Portugal in Paris. Our consulate general will be in constant contact with the French authorities."[59]
Romania – Prime Minister Victor Ponta declared that he was "deeply shocked" by the events and condemned the shootings as an act of cowardice. Ponta, President Klaus Iohannis, and the Romanian Information Service (SRI) met to discuss about the attack.[60]
Russia – President Vladimir Putin said, "We decisively condemn this cynical crime. We reaffirm our readiness to continue active co-operation in combating the threat of terrorism."[61]
Serbia – Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić offered deepest condolences, saying, "We are terrified by this event, but we are confident that France and the great French civilisation, known for its tolerance, will know how to deal with the threat that terrorism carries. The Republic of Serbia will, with all its capacities, help the fight against terrorism, the world's greatest scourge. The French Republic can always count on friendly and sincere support of the Republic of Serbia."[62]
Spain – President Mariano Rajoy condemned the attack, which was described as barbaric, sent his condolences and solidarity to the victims' families and the French people. He said, "They will not be able to destroy the most sacred that we human beings have, that is, our rights and our freedoms. France has the solidarity and affection of the Spanish people, and the cooperation of our government in the fight against terrorism."[63]
Turkey – President Ahmet Davutoğlu sent his condolences to the people of France and added, "We condemn terrorism in the strongest manner. We stand with the people of France. Terrorism has no religion, nationality or a value it represents. Terrorism is a crime against humanity and can in no way be justified."[64]
United Kingdom – British Prime Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons, "This House and this country stand united with the French people in our opposition to all forms of terrorism and we stand squarely for free speech and democracy. These people will never be able to take us off those values."[65]
United Nations – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his outrage at the shooting, which he called "despicable", and described it as a "horrendous, unjustifiable and cold-blooded crime".[46]
United States – President Barack Obama called the shootings horrific, while offering his support, saying, "France is America's oldest ally, and has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the fight against terrorists who threaten our shared security and the world. Time and again, the French people have stood up for the universal values that generations of our people have defended. France, and the great city of Paris, where this outrageous attack took place, offer the world a timeless example that will endure well beyond the hateful vision of these killers."[66] United States Secretary of State John Kerry, who has deep family ties to France, also said that the U.S. was standing in solidarity with France and offered assistance in confronting extremism.[67]
Vatican City – Vatican press director Father Federico Lombardi stated “The Holy Father expresses his firmest condemnation of the horrible attack. Whatever its motivation might be, homicidal violence is abominable and is never justified.” Pope Francis also added that attacks undermine "“the fundamental good of peaceful coexistence of people despite national, religious and cultural differences,” [68]
Other political leaders also issued statements condemning the attack, including European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte,[69] Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Yalçın Akdoğan,[70] Chilean President Michelle Bachelet,[71] Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko,[72] Queen Elizabeth II,[73] the Swiss Federal Council,[74] Croatian President Ivo Josipović and Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović,[75] and the Vatican.[76]
Following the attack, France raised its terror alert to the highest level and deployed soldiers to Paris' public transport, media offices, places of worship, and the Eiffel Tower. The British Foreign Office warned its citizens about travelling to Paris.[77] The New York City Police Department also ordered extra security measures to the French Consulate-General headquarters in Manhattan.[27]
Multiple demonstrations were held against the shootings at the Place de la République in Paris,[78] as well as Toulouse.[79] Around 2,000 demonstrators also gathered in London's Trafalgar Square, where they sang the French National Anthem.[80][81]
Media organizations carried out protests against the shootings. Libération, Le Monde, and Le Figaro, along with other French media outlets, used black banners carrying the "Je suis Charlie" slogan across the top of their websites.[82] Ian Hislop, editor of the British satirical magazine Private Eye, released a statement, saying, "I am appalled and shocked by this horrific attack – a murderous attack on free speech in the heart of Europe. [...] Very little seems funny today."[83]
Many Muslims expressed shock and disgust regarding the killings on social media. The Muslim Council of France and the Muslim Council of Britain spoke out against the attack, with imam Dalil Boubakeur stating, "[W]e are horrified by the brutality and the savagery."[84] The Union of Islamic Organizations of France released a statement condemning the attack, along with imam Hassen Chalghoumi saying that those behind the attack "have sold their soul to hell".[85] The vice president of the U.S. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community also condemned the attack, saying, "The culprits behind this atrocity have violated every Islamic tenet of compassion, justice, and peace."[86] The "Je suis Charlie" slogan was also used heavily by Muslim users on social media, with some speaking out against the attack specifically as an assault on free speech.[87]
The League of Arab States released a collective condemnation of the attack. Al-Azhar University also released a statement of denunciation, with senior official Abbas Shoman stating that violence was never appropriate regardless of "offence committed against sacred Muslim sentiments".[88]
Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu raised concerns that the attack could fuel further anti-Islamic stances in France and in Europe as a whole, stances which he added help to fuel terrorism itself. The Dutch Council of Moroccan Mosques also raised those concerns that the tension could result in anti-Islam violence in the Netherlands.[89]
The slogan "Je suis Charlie" ("I am Charlie") was used by supporters of free speech against the shooting.
The statement was used as the hashtag #jesuischarlie on Twitter,[90] as printed or hand-made placards, and displayed on mobile phones at vigils, and on many websites, particularly media sites, for example Le Monde.
Je suis Charlie quickly trended at the top of Twitter hashtags worldwide following the attack.[91] The US Embassy in Paris changed its Twitter profile picture to the "Je suis Charlie" placard.[92]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
see comments at 13h09 and 13h47:『LeMonde.fr: @Antoine Tout ce que nous savons est qu'ils parlent un français sans accent.』and "LeMonde.fr: Sur la même vidéo, on peut entendre les agresseurs. D'après ce qu'on peut percevoir, les hommes semblent parler français sans accent."
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Media related to 2015 Charlie Hebdo magazine shooting at Wikimedia Commons
Islam
Journalism
Freedom of speech
