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Even as the terrorist attacks on Paris were ongoing late Nov. 13 and into the early morning hours of Nov. 14, President Barack Obama and North Carolina’s top lawmakers were promising prayers, unity and solidarity with France.

Obama, speaking as gunshots and explosions still could be heard throughout the French capital, promised, “We are going to do whatever it takes to work with the French people and with nations around the world to bring these terrorists to justice.”

North Carolina lawmakers also were commenting as events were unfolding, with Rep. Virginia Foxx and senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis issuing simple tweets about the tragedies that would leave more than 120 people dead.

“Praying for the people of Paris,” Foxx wrote.

Similarly, “Praying for the people of Paris. America stands with France,” tweeted Tillis.

“Praying for those affected by #Paris attacks. Know that America is standing with you,” offered Burr.

The series of coordinated terrorist attacks across Paris, for which the Islamic State is claiming responsibility as reported by multiple news agencies, began about 8:30 p.m. Nov. 13 when two explosions were heard near the Stade de France, where French President Francois Hollande was watching a sporting matchup between France and Germany.

About an hour later came reports of a shooting at the Petit Cambodge restaurant, about five miles from the stadium. Soon after this, came reports of shootings near the Bataclan theatre, south of the restaurant and where an American rock band was performing.

At about 11 p.m., with reports of explosions and gunshots claiming an increasing death toll, Hollande declared France under a state of emergency, closing its borders and urging residents to stay inside.

Nearly three hours later, after reports of terrorists detonating suicide belts and commandos storming the Bataclan, police said they believed that all attackers were dead, although they said the hunt would be ongoing for any accomplices.

By 3:30 a.m., the Paris prosecutors office reported that eight terrorists had been killed, seven of them in suicide bombings. Others could be at large, the agency reported.

At least 127 people were reported to have died in the attacks as of noon on Nov. 14.

Hollande said France will “lead the fight. We will be merciless” in finding those responsible for the attacks.

World leaders also united their nations to France. As reported by the office of the press secretary at the White House, Obama called Hollande and “reiterated the United States’ steadfast, unwavering support for the people of France … the two leaders pledged to work together, and with nations around the world, to defeat the scourge of terrorism.”

In North Carolina, Foxx also released a statement, on Nov. 14: “Yesterday, in Paris, the world was reminded once again that freedom has its foes. As we mourn those whose lives were lost and pray for the people of France as they confront this terrible tragedy, we let the adversaries of liberty know that champions of freedom will not be stopped. We will never waiver, we will not cede strength and we will stand firm.”

In response to the attacks on France, across the United States law officers were reportedly increasing patrols in major U.S. cities, although officers reported it did not appear that there was any increased threat to security as of midday Nov. 14.

Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman said that his office is not doing anything differently at this time, but is “part of a regional, state and federal network that collects and disseminates intelligence and bulletins.”

Capt. Andy LeBeau of the Boone Police Department also noted that there was no change in his department at this time.

“We have not received any intel from our federal partners to indicate there is an elevated risk for this area,” LeBeau said. “This type of incident certainly heightens our senses.”

http://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/north-carolina-lawmakers-align-with-french-people/article_54b2d642-1e49-5093-a499-9b65e5e13ef4.html