World leaders have expressed shock as the death toll from attacks across six sites in Paris continued to climb.
Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins said on French television that at least 100 people may have died in the attacks at the Bataclan theater in Paris' 11th arrondissement, where many hostages had been held. That figure doesn't include the several shot at a restaurant in the nearby 10 arrondissement.
President Obama spoke shortly after finding out about the multiple attacks in France's capital, saying that the violence is an attack "not just on Paris; it's an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share."
"We stand prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance that the government and people of France need to respond," Obama added. "France is our oldest ally," Obama continued. "The French people have stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States time and again. And we want to be very clear that we stand together with them in the fight against terrorism and extremism. Paris itself represents the timeless values of human progress. Those who think that they can terrorize the people of France or the values that they stand for are wrong. The American people draw strength from the French people's commitment to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she is "deeply shaken by the news and pictures that are reaching us from Paris." The German leader issued a statement saying her thoughts were with the victims "of the apparent terrorist attack."
The Secretary-General of the NATO alliance says he is "deeply shocked by horrific Paris attacks."
Jens Stoltenberg said in a Twitter message that "We stand together with the people of #France. Terrorism will never defeat democracy."
Politics
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is condemning "the despicable terrorist attacks" in Paris and is demanding the immediate release of numerous hostages being held in the Bataclan theater.
Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on the terrorist attacks in Paris:
“I’m following the terrorist attacks in Paris closely. These attacks are diabolical, an effort to kill perfectly innocent people in different locations and situations. There’s no question these are terrorist attacks. The United States stands with France and we’ll do whatever we can to help.”
The pope shared his views on the horrendous situation:
"Here in the Vatican we are following the terrible news from Paris. We are shocked by this new manifestation of maddening, terrorist violence and hatred which we condemn in the most radical way together with the Pope and all those who love peace. We pray for the victims and the wounded, and for all the French people. This is an attack on peace for all humanity, and it requires a decisive, supportive response on the part of all of us as we counter the spread the homicidal hatred in all of its forms."
Secretary of State John Kerry echoed what President Obama had to say: "We stand with the French people tonight, as our peoples have always stood together in our darkest hours."
"I share President Obama's outrage and sadness over the terrorist attacks tonight in Paris. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this assault on innocent people, going about their lives. And I am deeply concerned by ongoing reports of hostages. These are heinous, evil, vile acts. Those of us who can must do everything in our power to fight back against what can only be considered an assault on our common humanity. Our embassy in Paris is making every effort to account for the welfare of American citizens in the city, and in the days ahead we stand ready to provide whatever support the French government may require. France is our oldest ally, a friend and a vital partner. We stand with the French people tonight, as our peoples have always stood together in our darkest hours. These terrorist attacks will only deepen our shared resolve."
Vice President Biden also expressed solidarity with France, adding that extremists cannot
"We will stand together. We will never bow. We will never break. That’s the character of our two nations. We are bound by timeless democratic values that the cowardice and perverse ideologues of extremist networks can never match, wherever they are. Such savagery can never threaten who we are. We will respond. We will overcome. We will endure."
Other politicians and world leaders took to social media to express their sympathies and thoughts:
