Paris 2024 Expresses “Shock” and “Sadness” at Deadly Terrorist Attacks

By Christian Radnedge

The team behind Paris’ bid to host the 2024 Olympics has expressed its “shock” and “sadness” at the terrorist attacks which killed at least 127 people in the French capital on Friday. 

Several coordinated attacks took place in Paris, including suicide bombings at the Stade de France where France where playing Germany, and shootings at a restaraunt and at a music concert.

At least 99 people are believed to be among the wounded.

It comes just months after a shooting at the office of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in the centre of Paris. That incident led Paris 2024 bid leader Bernard Lapasset to claim that the attacks would only unite the city even more to show the best of itself in the future. 

In a statement released to the media on Saturday, the bid team said: “Paris 2024 is today in mourning for all those killed in the appalling events of last night.‎ Our thoughts are with their loved ones and with those wounded in these horrific, unforgivable attacks.

“We share the shock and profound sadness which has been expressed by so many people around the world and as Parisians we stand in solidarity with the people of Paris and of France in uniting against these acts of terror.

“The historic values of our city and our country matter more than ever and they are the basis of our resolve and determination in the face of such terrible tragedy.”

In a statement of his own, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said that the attacks were not just on the people of France, but on all of humanity.

Bach said: “These attacks are deeply shocking. The IOC condemns these barbaric and cowardly acts.

“This is not only an attack on the people of France and Paris, this is an attack on humanity and all humanitarian and Olympic Values

“We stand united with all people from all around the globe. Our thoughts are of course with the families and friends of those who have been killed or wounded.

“We support also the outstanding work of so many men and women in the medical and security fields who are assisting the population in these very difficult moments.

“In these dark times, we should remember the unifying power of sport to unite people and communities and to bring peace and reconciliation.  Today all people of goodwill will say: We are all French.

“Today [Saturday], I have sent a letter of condolence and support to President Hollande and I have ordered that the Olympic flag be put at half-mast to remember this tragedy.”

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