Students, staff react to terrorism in Paris

By Ethan Ball

On Nov. 13, mass shootings and suicide bombings swept over the city of Paris.

The terrorists targeted multiple sites in Paris Friday night within a 33-minute time span, killing over 120 people and injuring upwards of 300.

Shortly after the ISIS attacks on France, the whole nation began to mourn. Paris was showered with prayers and support on social media, from starting a #prayforparis hashtag on Twitter to Facebook users nationwide overlaying their profile pictures with a template of the French flag, an option offered in support of France.

Many landmarks turned blue, white and red in support for Paris, such as the Tokyo Skytree, the Peace Bridge that connects Canada and the U.S., Australia’s Sydney Opera House, and many more.

President Barack Obama delivered a statement on the Paris attacks even before French president Francois Hollande did, saying “This is an attack not just on Paris, not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share.”

We were even affected here in Kansas. Students and teachers at Hutchinson Community College commented on the issue.

“I feel like I should be enlisting in the army,” said Zach Skimbo, McAlester, Oklahoma.

“There’s now rumors that Al Queda and ISIS are coming together,” said Ethan Hood, Winfield. “We have one group who already hates us and one group that’s quickly learning to hate us teaming up. I think we should be scared.”

Jackie Long, HCC career and placement coordinator said, “My reaction was shock…and that no one is going to be safe. Any country or government that is free to practice their own religion or pursue their own life values is not safe.”

“It’s unfortunate that there are people that are brainwashed into believing the leadership of terror organizations,” Long said.

Amaelle Caron, an international student from Paris, said she was “shocked” by the news of the attacks.

“It was hard to believe,” Caron said. “Facebook had a security check button that notified me that my friends and family were safe and I was really relieved to see that.”

This is the largest attack to take place in France since World War II. The terrorist attacks that took place Nov. 13 will not be forgotten.

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