Terrorists Kill Dozens in Paris, Including at Least 80 at Eagles of Death Metal Show [Updated]
This story has been updated to reflect new information since the story initially broke.
A number of terrorist attacks took place throughout Paris on Friday night (Nov. 13), with one of the targets being the Bataclan music venue where Eagles of Death Metal were playing. Eagles of Death Metal reportedly heard gunfire and stopped playing immediately, running backstage and exiting the venue after seeing the gunmen. The 1,500-person capacity Bataclan was reportedly sold out.
According to the New York Daily News, at least 80 people were slain at the Bataclan theater as terrorists entered the venue toward the end of Eagles of Death Metal's set. At one point there was a hostage situation, with police eventually storming the venue and freeing dozens of concertgoers. Four gunmen inside the Bataclan are now believed to be dead. According to CNN, one of the shooters was a French national who was known as a common criminal, but had never spent time in prison and was never previously linked to acts of terrorism. Overall, 129 people are confirmed dead and 352 injured after terrorist attacks in six locations throughout Paris.
Earlier reports had the total death toll at 153, with 112 of the deceased at the concert venue, but those numbers have since been reduced. However, the death toll is expected to rise. A soccer stadium and a Cambodian restaurant are among the other locations that were targeted in the attacks.
CNN reports that French President Francois Hollande is blaming ISIS for the attacks, as the terror organization is claiming responsibility for the gunfire and blasts that have wreaked havoc on Paris.
Eagles of Death Metal issued a post not long after their show had started that showed that they were playing the venue. After the mayhem broke out, the band issued a statement on their Facebook page that read: "We are still currently trying to determine the safety and whereabouts of all our band and crew. Our thoughts are with all of the people involved in this tragic situation." The band features Jesse Hughes and Queens of the Stone Age leader Josh Homme, but Homme reportedly did not join the band on their European trek.
All the Eagles of Death Metal members are alive and safe, after some outlets had erroneously reported that one member had died. The wife of Eagles of Death Metal drummer Julian Dorio has told The Washington Post, “We are just holding our breath and saying prayers for everyone. He called to say that he loved me and he was safe. Everyone on stage was able to get off. French president François Hollande has declared a state of emergency and closed the country’s borders." On Saturday, the band called off the remainder of their European tour.
In addition, members of Deftones and their crew were at the show, as well, but reports state that they managed to leave 15 minutes before the attack. "Thank you all for your inquiries on our well being. Band/Crew all safe and accounted for at this time. Prayers for those affected in these tragic events," stated the band on their Facebook page. Deftones were scheduled to play the next three nights at the very same venue.
Radio reporter Julien Pearce was inside the Bataclan when the terrorist raid took place, describing the scene is grizzly detail. "It lasted for 10 minutes. Ten horrific minutes where everybody was on the floor covering their head," he told CNN. "We heard so many gunshots. The terrorists were very calm, very conservative, and they reloaded three or four times with their weapons and they didn't shout anything, they didn't say anything."
President Obama has spoken about the tragedy, "This is an attack not just on Paris, it's an attack not just on the people France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share. We stand prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance that the government and the people of France need to respond ... We have been in contact with French officials to communicate our deepest condolences to the families of those have been killed, and offer our prayers and thoughts to those who've been wounded. We have offered our full support to them."
The owners of the Bataclan venue where one of the attacks took place issued a statement that read, "No words can express the level of sadness we feel. Our thoughts go to the victims, to those injured and their loved ones." They also stated that while many had come to the Bataclan to pay their respects, they were asking that people stay away as police were still processing the scene and needed to complete their work, revealing that they would let it be known when it was clear for people to return and mourn at the site.
France is under a state of emergency, with people being asked to stay inside their homes, and many public buildings shut down.
As a result of the terrorist attacks, Foo Fighters have canceled their remaining European tour dates, while band like Motorhead and In Flames have canceled upcoming shows in France.
We'll keep you up to date as more info comes in. Our thoughts go out to all the victims of this horrendous tragedy.