Friday the 13th superstitiously marks the most unlucky day of the year. In this case, on this day in 2015, a tragic and awe-stricken series of terrorist attacks from the growing organization of ISIS targeted in Paris, France.
Three different locations were targeted by suicide bombers that were brimming with civilians and included some family and friends from the Seattle Prep community. There were hostages taken and shooting incidents in this devastating massacre mostly in the concert hall of Bataclan.
Following the attacks, the world awaited to hear good news that their loved ones were safe and alive. Unfortunately, this terrifying attack resulted in the deaths of at least 128 people. Social media such as Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook overflowed with support and prayers with the hashtag #prayforparis. The aftermath in Paris included the mourning of families in “a minute of silence” for those who have passed.
Students in the Prep community who have been specifically affected are Elise Henn ’16, whose sister and Prep alumni Madeleine Henn, is studying abroad in Paris in the 11th Arrondissment, where one of the bombings occurred. Luckily, she was studying in Spain at the time, and her family was relieved to know she was safe.
People, fearful of the dangerous terrorists who fled, question the national security of America. France’s government, under the French President, Francois Hollande, and the french police force, cornered some of the bombers who were killed in the incident. Other ISIS terrorists fled to the neighboring country Brussels, Belgium, where 21 arrests were made and all schools and businesses are closed down.
The city of Brussels was in on lockdown, and it was forbidden to post on Twitter about the suspected terrorists or any whereabouts, so instead, people would post pictures of their cats with the hashtag #brusselslockdown.
Junior Lex Guillot de Suduiraut also has family in Bordeaux, France, where her grandparents are very scared for their national security because ISIS has a very large connection of terrorists around the world.
In response to the bloody and destructive attacks on Paris; France has declared war on ISIS in Syria and Mali. The United States is responding as well, with the deeming threat from ISIS that Washington D.C. is their next target. Political issues arose regarding surveillance in public places, recording phone calls, internet searches and background checks. Several European countries allow these forms of security to be issued as forms of surveillance and protection from possible terrorist activity and suspects. Students shared their feelings about being shaken or afraid for their national security and of the developing ISIS terrorist organization.
The Seattle Prep community prays for the families and friends of those who were lost in Paris, France after the shocking attacks on numerous innocent people.