Multiple violent incidents, twenty dead, many hostages at a theatre - if these reports hold up it is cataclysmic.
JUST TO SPRINT AHEAD OF THE EVIDENCE: These attacks may have nothing to do with Muslims. But I wouldn't bet that way.
That said, this may have very little to do with the recent surge of undocumented arrivals - there seem to be quite a few terrorists involved, but it may well be a combination of disaffected local youths providing the muscle and a few French citizens returning from the Middle Eastern wars providing the techniques and leadership. In that scenario, all the terrorists are "French", technically if not culturally.
As to whether that is better or worse than having the terrorists be a part of the recently welcomed immigrant wave, who knows? I should go back to waiting for some actual information.
Eep. Just got info on this from our lurking unit.... Not much more than what is above.
Posted by: henry | November 13, 2015 at 05:04 PM
It's probably the Huguenots.
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | November 13, 2015 at 05:08 PM
On Twitter I've seen numbers up to 26 dead, plus 60 hostages.
Posted by: henry | November 13, 2015 at 05:09 PM
TM,
Just awoke in the hotel room in Taiwan and this is the "Breaking Story" on every channel in every language over here.
CNN, BBC, Russia Today, Channel News ASIA, Bloomberg, AL Jazirah, The Japanese channels, the Chinese Channels (mainland and Taiwan).
DW(Deutsch) TV is covering the story and discussing Angela Merkel under massive pressure from the right, but playing statements she made earlier today that her Immigration program is still working smoothly.
As I understand it, the hostage situation in the Paris stadium was a match between a French team and a German Team.
Overall point is that ISLAMIC Terrorism has achieved the world wide notoriety they ware aiming for with these attacks.
DW host just asked some talking head if he thinks Merkel's days are numbered. The Talking head, Simon Young, thinks she will still hold on to the job, but I think he was speaking prior to the breaking news of the Paris attacks. The attacks are running in a ticker at the bottom of the screen.
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 05:11 PM
OMG. They are like fire ants. You can kill a few but never get rid of all of them. Son of a bitch.
Posted by: Sue | November 13, 2015 at 05:11 PM
Also claims of the historic Huguenot war cry "allahu akbar" on site
Posted by: henry | November 13, 2015 at 05:12 PM
You reap what your sow. Next up is Germany and then Belgium.
I am following in France 5 TV. Pretty well coordinated but they knew they could not get too close to Stade de France where Hollande was located.
RER is on lockdown for a while to figure out how to get everyone out of the Stade and back to Paris and the other locales.
Suicide bombers are involved.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | November 13, 2015 at 05:14 PM
shades of Dubrovka concert hall and other incidents in Chechnya,
http://twitchy.com/2015/11/13/report-injuries-fatalities-following-paris-shooting-explosion-purported-eyewitness-tweets/
Posted by: narciso | November 13, 2015 at 05:14 PM
Jack, thanks for the explanation at the end of prior thread.
I thought it was a French word! Ha!
Death toll up to 35 according to NBC.
Posted by: Miss Marple | November 13, 2015 at 05:17 PM
Now at 35 dead, 100 hostages. I hate numbers that keep going up this way.
Posted by: henry | November 13, 2015 at 05:18 PM
Has Garry Trudeau weighed in? Perhaps some "little guy" Islamic fanatics are just "punching up" against the powerful.
Posted by: Janet | November 13, 2015 at 05:20 PM
well they seem to be ahead of the mark:
https://twitter.com/FRANCE24
Posted by: narciso | November 13, 2015 at 05:20 PM
Sometimes the death tolls for these sort of things end up going down from the earliest reports; let's hope.
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | November 13, 2015 at 05:20 PM
Bloomberg (via AP) is reporting 100 hostages taken at some theater and 35 confirmed dead. There is also an attack of some sort at a Soccer Stadium.
CNN reports an ongoing shootout between Police and the terrorists at some Concert Theater where 100 hostages are being held. The band tonight at the confer Theater was some band from California. Obviously multiple attacks, multiple attackers, and big time coordination by the attackers. Suicide bombs at the Stadium. The terrorists obviously well armed with AK-47 type rifles.
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 05:21 PM
This is an ongoing situation. Refresh this post for regular updates as they come in.
5:16PM EST: SKY News is reporting as many as 40 dead.
5:15PM EST: Police with long guns searching streets of Paris.
Read more: http://controversialtimes.com/news/breaking-paris-under-attack-explosions-shootings-reported-casualties/#ixzz3rPeF9Raz
Posted by: clarice | November 13, 2015 at 05:21 PM
One Italian paper is reporting 40 dead, another 60.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | November 13, 2015 at 05:22 PM
One Italian paper is reporting 40 dead, another 60.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | November 13, 2015 at 05:22 PM
Can I just say, I love Jomers.
Thank you.
Posted by: Jane | November 13, 2015 at 05:23 PM
Wonder if we'll have any more NFL games in Wembly Stadium this year?
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 05:23 PM
Live feed from Paris for French speakershttps://grabien.com/index.php?livestreamid=453
Posted by: clarice | November 13, 2015 at 05:23 PM
Dave (in MA) - the Anabaptists were the violent ones. Some ended up later draining swamps and making cheese in East Prussia, however.
Immigrants are still arriving in Europe. Some have skills that are not peaceful ones.
Posted by: Frau Ostpreussen | November 13, 2015 at 05:23 PM
You all will be relived o know that Homeland Secuty is monitoring the situation, and there is no known credible threat to the United States.
Unknown credible threats might be there, though.
Posted by: Miss Marple | November 13, 2015 at 05:23 PM
No, narc, this is different.
You have 3 targets. Could be more. They could be decoys. French G2 are fucking embarrassed and under terrific pressure to find these guys.
France poplulation have had it. My SIL says the county is ready to go the full monty. Don't blame her. How dare you interrupt a dinner or soccer game in France.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | November 13, 2015 at 05:24 PM
Or has Tom Brokaw weighed in?
From Meet the Press 4-21-13 - "He (Brokaw) said Americans need to take a hard look at “the roots” of why so many Muslims, including Americanized terrorists like the Tsarnaev brothers in Boston, want to kill them."
Perhaps the French just need to take a hard look at themselves.
Posted by: Janet | November 13, 2015 at 05:24 PM
John Schindler, referred to Mumbai, as a model, but regardless it's a quantum event in the West,
Posted by: narciso | November 13, 2015 at 05:26 PM
The ABC reporter (a woman, for what that's worth) announced the attackers were armed with "Baryshnikovs."
Posted by: Tonto | November 13, 2015 at 05:27 PM
Expel every Muslim from the West. All of them. Men, women, children. Send them all to the Middle East. And then burn the entire region save Israel to the ground. Kill them all. Turn it all to glass and let God sort out the decent people from the terrorists.
I don't care how that sounds. I really don't.
Posted by: James D. | November 13, 2015 at 05:27 PM
Brokaw's a cretinous fool, Williams was worse, I'm guessing braquers, excon converts with Syrian or Yemeni training,
Posted by: narciso | November 13, 2015 at 05:28 PM
Cheese, I blame too many cheeses.
Thiis is very serious. If Sarkosy was in power it woiuld outright war, including French bombers over Syria, Iraz and even Iran. Unlike our Bozo, Sarkozy recongized this scenario years ago.
BTW, the French security forces will take these guys out. They are not the weenies we want to characterize. in fact, the ex-Forieign Legion guys who are SDGE now are up there with our Delta Force. We are going to lose a lot of Jihadi's tonight so break out the Champangne.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | November 13, 2015 at 05:30 PM
Yeah like they would know if there was a credible threat.
Posted by: Jane | November 13, 2015 at 05:30 PM
Some of the dead were from trying to exit.
Posted by: Sue | November 13, 2015 at 05:31 PM
Russia today is noting that there are 5 separate attack locations on the north side of the Seine River. Some talking head guest reporter identified as an Independent Journalist, something like Robert Heintes, is saying France is partly to blame, due to their recent actions in the Middle East.
He's the first I've heard blame the victims. I suppose there will be many more as the day goes on.
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 05:31 PM
Miss Marple - thanks for the link to the Claremont Independent article "We dissent." A small and welcome glimmer.
I hope we don't lose sight of Comrade Click.
Posted by: Frau Ostpreussen | November 13, 2015 at 05:32 PM
surely, GIGN, also CRS, are well trained, how many support cells, are involved,
Posted by: narciso | November 13, 2015 at 05:32 PM
There you go Janet. Their very own Brokaw.
Posted by: Sue | November 13, 2015 at 05:33 PM
I hate Geraldo. But I'm feeling his pain.
Posted by: Sue | November 13, 2015 at 05:34 PM
Wow,I actually feel bad for Geraldo.His daughter was in the soccer stadium.
Posted by: Marlene | November 13, 2015 at 05:34 PM
I sure hope this doesn't distract people from the horrible threat posed by the SkyDragon.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | November 13, 2015 at 05:35 PM
Clarice, I see even French TV is infested with social media comments disguised as news.
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | November 13, 2015 at 05:35 PM
Geraldo is now weeping on Fox. His daughter, Simone, was at the stadium. Uninjured.
Posted by: Tonto | November 13, 2015 at 05:35 PM
Is she *still* in the stadium?
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | November 13, 2015 at 05:36 PM
This in from the White House; Obama calls this incident "workplace violence".
Posted by: Comanche Voter | November 13, 2015 at 05:37 PM
A Geraldo aside: My husband saw him biking up Madison Avenue the other day. Was not wearing a helmet.
Posted by: Tonto | November 13, 2015 at 05:38 PM
5:34PM EST: BFMTV is reporting 60 dead so far.
5:33PM EST: French Terrorism officials have reportedly taken over the investigation.
5:33PM EST: The crowd at the Stade de France soccer stadium for the France/German soccer game have reportedly ran onto the pitch and are too scared to leave the stadium.
5:31PM EST: BMFTV is reporting that there are currently 6 different shooting scenes, 3 different explosion scenes and 1 hostage situation.
5:29PM EST: At least one of the reported shootings was reportedly done by men in a car using automatic rifles.
5:28PM EST: Shots have been reported in the last 30 minutes.
Read more: http://controversialtimes.com/news/breaking-paris-under-attack-explosions-shootings-reported-casualties/#ixzz3rPjCDgT0
Posted by: clarice | November 13, 2015 at 05:39 PM
I no longer feel his pain. She is safe and he is a jerk again. Get off my tv.
Posted by: Sue | November 13, 2015 at 05:39 PM
Proving once again
"Safest spaces" are those where
Good folks can carry
Posted by: Captain Haiku | November 13, 2015 at 05:39 PM
James D.
I have been biting my tongue, thinking this is not the time to pull my usual and throw a turd in the punch bowl.
However, I have to say, when Sue said that they were like fire ants, the first thought that went through my mind is "time for an exterminator"
Posted by: Buckeye | November 13, 2015 at 05:39 PM
Here's a live feed of this horrible situation:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/nov/13/shootings-reported-in-eastern-paris-live?CMP=twt_gu
Posted by: glasater | November 13, 2015 at 05:40 PM
Russia Today is saying that the terrorists first launched an attack to draw out the authorities, then after the authorities arrived they launched secondary attacks, at both the arriving authorities, and at locations that now were relatively undefended due to the authorities having gone to the initial locations.
Video of the French/German Soccer match reveals at least 2 explosions and probably 3 in the stadium. Apparently Prez Hollande was at the match but was escorted out rapidly.
Local French TV now says 60 dead---no surprise.
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 05:40 PM
Even the Fernch media are ignorant as ours. Will explaing later. But this is not good at all. Too mahy targets and no leadership since Hollande is at Stade de Fance in St. Denis. But watch the situation in the theatre. That is the end.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | November 13, 2015 at 05:41 PM
What won't be done but what should be done: Hollande should announce that any government that nurtures terrorists will be held responsible for any terrorist attack, no matter which terrorist group is responsible for the attack. He should then ask French intelligence to formulate a plan to take out Khameinei or another top governmental official of Iran. But what will happen is more blather.
Prayers for those murdered and their families, and for the hostages and their families.
Posted by: Thomas Collins | November 13, 2015 at 05:42 PM
An exterminator can't rid you of fire ants. Nothing can. They just move over a little and rebuild their hill.
Posted by: Sue | November 13, 2015 at 05:43 PM
Oh good. Obama is about to talk to us. ::gag:: I'd rather listen to Geraldo.
Posted by: Sue | November 13, 2015 at 05:45 PM
Muslim Apologist in Chief just about to give us a briefing from the White House.
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 05:46 PM
Terrorists need the nurturing of governments, Sue. They can't build their hills without governments.
Taking out Khameinei or another top mullah would send the following message to Sunni governments: You're next if you support Sunni terrorists.
Posted by: Thomas Collins | November 13, 2015 at 05:48 PM
When are the Climate Control talks suppose to happen in Paris?
Posted by: Buckeye | November 13, 2015 at 05:48 PM
Obama: the attacks across Paris tonight. An outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians. An attack on humanity and our universal values. We stand prepared to offer assistance. France is our oldest ally. We stand with them. Paris represents the timeless values of human progress. e draw strength from the Frecnh peoples values. Liberte, Egality. Equality. We share those values. They will endure beyond the crimes this evening.
We will bring these terrorists to justice. nWe don't yet know all the details. We have ben in contact with French officials.
Not a single mention of the word ISLAM in his prepared remarks so far. Simply using the word Terrorists.
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 05:49 PM
Obama's speaking? Another lecture on how this isn't true Islam?
Posted by: Thomas Collins | November 13, 2015 at 05:50 PM
Sue - moi aussi.
Tonto @ 5:38 - hope springs eternal.
Posted by: Frau Hoffnung | November 13, 2015 at 05:51 PM
Per lurking one, Louvre now
Posted by: henry | November 13, 2015 at 05:52 PM
Has Trump weighed in on this yet?
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | November 13, 2015 at 05:52 PM
I sure hope this doesn't distract people from the horrible threat posed by the SkyDragon.
Yes, Rick. Speaking of which....
Has John Kerry weighed in?
"The Middle East today is the home of populations that are energetic, youthful, forward-looking. It is in them that we place our faith." ~ Secretary of State John Kerry
Posted by: Janet | November 13, 2015 at 05:52 PM
tonto.
Mrs. JiB is beyond herself. So sad for her and Europe. My heart goes out for her and family. They knew this was coming and no one would listen.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | November 13, 2015 at 05:53 PM
Obama: ...attacks. ...terrorists...attackers...terrorists...
Won't speculate at this point on who is responsible. It appears attacks are still going on so I will not speculate, until the situation is under control by the French authorities.
So there you go. Wolf Blitzer says "the President minces no words," yet to my mind the President did nothing but mince his words.
Jim Scuitto now on following Obama's comments says that the 6 to 8 Islamic terrorists inside the theater are spaying they are preparing to slaughter the 100 hostages incise the theater 1 by 1.
Wolf now says ISIS websites are applauding the attacks.
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 05:53 PM
Shemp talking about the "mayor of France"
Get the hook.
Posted by: Buckeye | November 13, 2015 at 05:55 PM
Diversity is our strength!!
Posted by: Beasts of England | November 13, 2015 at 05:55 PM
You mentioned sky dragon? Gore live at the Eiffel Tower.
Posted by: henry | November 13, 2015 at 05:56 PM
Our lurking friend found that climate telethon link.
Posted by: henry | November 13, 2015 at 05:57 PM
Europe was sick of Cowboy presidents and US leadership--take it away EU!
Hollande announces closing borders
Posted by: clarice | November 13, 2015 at 05:57 PM
In addition to taking out a leader, terminating a terrorist group is a necessary step. ISIS is the group that should be taken out, whether or not ISIS is responsible for this.
Posted by: Thomas Collins | November 13, 2015 at 05:57 PM
Hillary almost joined the Marines once.
Surely she'll know what do almost do to help our our French allies deal with this. She's probably got some of Blumenthal's top people scouring Youtube.fr right now.
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | November 13, 2015 at 05:57 PM
The Paris attack looks really bad. American metal band playing there. Probably some dead American kids.
Posted by: Skoot | November 13, 2015 at 05:57 PM
Now Hollande speaking.
State of Emergency has been decreed. Decisions of arrests will be taken. Holland says he has closed Borders. Says he is restricting travel. Hollande says he knows who these terrorists are and where they are coming from. Says France has to show unity and strength and the state has to be strong. Everyone must be strong and responsible. The terrorists want to make us fearful. These attacks are not yet over. Maintain your trust in our Security forces. Long live the Republic, long live France.
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 05:57 PM
Holllande, martial law in the French way. Kill without license. Just send thiese assholes to hell. Do not come here unless you want your ass cooked. I doin' klnow who you are but I will make sure your God does when you get to wwher you want to go.
Oh, by the way France is strong and we aree not frightened. Say goodbye to these shitheads.
Drink wine, eat cheese and respect our security forces. Au revoir.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | November 13, 2015 at 05:58 PM
NOzo: “Those who think they can terrorize France or their values are wrong,” he said.
Values can be terrorized? Who knew?
Posted by: DebinNC | November 13, 2015 at 06:00 PM
Why would you close the borders? It's the Religion of Peace!!™
Posted by: Beasts of England | November 13, 2015 at 06:01 PM
Jack,
I like your translation of Hollande.
Posted by: Sue | November 13, 2015 at 06:01 PM
The band Eagles of Death Metal is not actually a metal band, they're more poppy, not unlike Cheap Trick, not that I know anything more than that.
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | November 13, 2015 at 06:02 PM
I cannot believe Shep is per-empting Brett. That is just wrong.
Posted by: Jane | November 13, 2015 at 06:02 PM
I stand with James D.
Posted by: lyle | November 13, 2015 at 06:02 PM
They are apparently shooting the hostages one at a time in the theater.
Posted by: clarice | November 13, 2015 at 06:02 PM
Beast,
I didn't know borders could be closed.
Posted by: Sue | November 13, 2015 at 06:02 PM
Latest CNN reporter is saying that there were 1500 people in the Concert Hall when it started, and that reports are that about 4 terrorists walked in with AK's and started firing. If so, this is going to be way, way worse than initial reports.
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 06:03 PM
Jack -- there's no upside to being a Cassandra. See you soon.
Posted by: Tonto | November 13, 2015 at 06:03 PM
Hey you little loser SJWs: this is what problems look like in the real world, you pampered little pukes.
And this will take their pathetic asses off of the front page for a while...
Posted by: Beasts of England | November 13, 2015 at 06:04 PM
Tweet:
@AnneBayefsky: CNN: Hostages texting that they are being killed 1-by-1. Begging for police raid.
Posted by: Sue | November 13, 2015 at 06:05 PM
Obama's crew spiking the ball over the droning of Jihadi John probably fueled the Lone Wolves.
Posted by: Threadkiller | November 13, 2015 at 06:05 PM
I only wish my wife was here instead of Florida gettiing al late car wash.
Her french is pure Parisian and she could make out the subtletikes of what the French channels and spin doctors are saying on French TV. Muy French can baerly keep up.
But from I am watching and hearing this is all over the map with more targets including the George Pomidou center. Holy Moly.
Closing the borders. Yowza. finally lets it on
Posted by: Jack is Back! | November 13, 2015 at 06:06 PM
Wolf talking to a guy who escaped from the theater. He says about a thousand fans in the theater maximum. Says the 4 AK terrorists said nothing but were very calm. Said they wore black clothes but did not wear face masks. Said he just looked like an average guy. Says the attackers were very calm. No ALahu Akbar comments that he heard. Says he still has texting friends inside the theater. Says Police are not inside the Theater to his knowledge.
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 06:08 PM
My French is a bit rusty but I doubt they have an oxymoronic phrase like lone wolves.
I recommend a return to the values of 1790 in dealing with this pestilence.
Posted by: Captain Hate on the iPad | November 13, 2015 at 06:09 PM
I apoligize for that creed. I type so fas my fingers can't keep up, it seems.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | November 13, 2015 at 06:12 PM
Bravo Beasts 6:04.
Posted by: Tonto | November 13, 2015 at 06:13 PM
Get Shep off,what an idiot !!!
Posted by: Marlene | November 13, 2015 at 06:13 PM
Has the US media blamed the Tea Party yet?
Posted by: lyle | November 13, 2015 at 06:13 PM
BBC is playing video of the Soccer Match to show us what the explosion sounded like. I did not hear it in the video they played. BBC French reporter says that earlier there had been some bomb alert called in that caused a Hotel to be evacuated. They are wondering if this was a harbinger of tonights events.
Posted by: daddy | November 13, 2015 at 06:13 PM
The US president, Barack Obama, says America will do whatever it takes to “bring these terrorists to justice” and called the attacks an “outrageous attempt to terrorise innocent civilians”.
Like the IRS targeting conservatives.
Posted by: DebinNC | November 13, 2015 at 06:14 PM
Romney has blamed Cliven Bundy, lyle.
Posted by: Threadkiller | November 13, 2015 at 06:14 PM
Drudge has the headline right--Muslim rampage. Dear God...prayers for all.
Posted by: Beester | November 13, 2015 at 06:15 PM
What video are they going to blame for this attack?
Posted by: Sue | November 13, 2015 at 06:15 PM
The French should ask Obama if they can send terrorists to GITMO.
Posted by: Threadkiller | November 13, 2015 at 06:16 PM