The French capital was hit by another unprecedented terror wave just ten months after the attacks at the satire magazine "Charlie Hebdo". Over 100 people were killed and many more severely injured with various assaults taking place in Paris on Friday evening. France's President François Hollande has issued an immediate state of emergency and 1,500 additional soldiers were mobilised. Thomas de Maizière, Germany's Interior Minister, offered to help Paris by sending German special forces.
Police reports suggest that there were at least seven attacks at different locations. The "Bataclan," one of Paris' most famous concert halls, faced an assault which resulted in multiple casualties following a hostage-taking. The Stade de France was also targeted, as two loud explosions could be heard in the first half of Germany's 2-0 friendly match defeat.
Reaction to the attacks in Paris
Dr. Reinhard Rauball (1st DFB Vice-President and delegation leader of the national team): German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier sat next to me and the messages he received got more tragic by the minute. It was immediately clear that, on a day like this, sport would fade into the background. I hope that the right conclusions will be made.
Joachim Löw (DFB Team head coach): We are all devastated and shocked. For me, the sport, the game and both conceded goals have completely faded into the background. There is nothing to say about that. I obviously thought about the bomb threat when I heard the bang. Every one of us on the bench thought about it, as we had all been left shocked earlier in the day already. When I heard it, I could picture what had just happened.
Oliver Bierhoff (DFB team sporting director): There is a lot of uncertainty in the changing room, dread and an overall strange atmosphere. You could tell how shocked the players were. They immediately grabbed their phones to get more information or to call home.
Joachim Gauck (Germany President): I'm deeply shattered by the reports we're receiving from France. My thoughts are with the victims, their relatives and the people of France.
Angela Merkel (Germany Chancellor): I'm deeply appalled by the news and reports we're receiving from Paris. My thoughts are with the victims of this apparent terror attack, their relatives and all the people in Paris.
Thomas de Maizière (Germany Interior Minister): Our thoughts are with our French friends and the families of the victims. I'm in close contact with my French colleagues and have offered the help of German special forces.