Somber Silence After Paris Attacks: ‘November 13 will be France’s September 11’

California design student killed in Le Petit Cambodge restaurant

The Monument at the Place de la République in Paris, became a gathering point for people honoring the victims of the deadly terrorist attacks that tore through Paris the previous night, on Nov. 14, 2015. David Vives/Epoch Times

PARIS—The Parisian sky was gray above the Place de la République on Saturday. A silent crowd circulated around the large monument in the center of the square with its three statues representing Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. All came to pray and honor the victims of the horrific attacks that left 129 people dead Friday night in the capital.

“Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, this is the police,” a voice called from a megaphone. The heavy silence was regularly broken by interjections from the authorities, who called on people to “empty the Place de la République.”

But throughout the day on Nov. 14, the square never emptied. People continued to approach the statues; others stood further away, staring into the horizon. The collection of messages of support, candles, and flowers multiplied throughout the day of quiet contemplation.

The Monument at the Place de la République in Paris, became a gathering point for people honoring the victims of the deadly terrorist attacks that tore through Paris the previous night, on Nov. 14, 2015. Epoch Times