Reactions to the November 2015 Paris attacks

International responses to the November 2015 Paris attacks

Company type	Event response summary
Industry	International relations, counter-terrorism
Founded	November 13, 2015 (2015-11-13)
Area served	Worldwide

On the evening of 13 November 2015, Paris was struck by multiple terrorist assaults. In the aftermath, a vast array of individuals, governments, and organizations across the globe demonstrated their support for France and those affected. Global leaders denounced the attacks and committed to providing assistance. Public vigils took place worldwide, while iconic landmarks were illuminated in the hues of the French national flag. Online movements showcased the "Peace for Paris" emblem designed by French artist Jean Jullien, alongside hashtags such as "Pray for Paris" and "Je suis Paris," reminiscent of the "Je suis Charlie" slogan that emerged following the January 2015 Charlie Hebdo attacks.

International organisations

• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation: The collective of 21 member nations condemned terrorism in all manifestations, referencing incidents in Paris, Beirut, and other locations.
• : Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma labeled the assaults as "despicable," offering sympathy and wishing a swift recovery to those injured.
• : The 10 ASEAN member states jointly condemned the terrorist acts and reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration against terrorism.
• Anglican Communion: Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby characterized the events as a "desperate and profound tragedy," extending prayers for justice.
• Arab League: Denounced the attacks as assaults against humanity at large.
• : Leaders from CARICOM issued a unanimous condemnation of the attacks.
• : Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma expressed solidarity with democratic nations confronting violent extremism.
  • Commonwealth realms: Queen Elizabeth II conveyed her condolences to France’s President and to families impacted by the tragedy.
• Economic Community of West African States: ECOWAS Parliament Speaker Ike Ekweremadu described the attacks as acts of "brazen savagery," offering condolences on behalf of ECOWAS.
• : Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland reaffirmed Europe's determination to uphold shared values.
• : EU Commission Vice-President Federica Mogherini along with defense ministers endorsed France’s activation of Article 42.7 seeking military support. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker dismissed suggestions to revise EU migration policies, advocating stronger adherence to liberal principles despite criticism. These events prompted some European officials, notably in Germany, to reevaluate migrant policies amid the ongoing European migrant crisis. UN agencies called for proper refugee registration and safeguarding measures. German political figures debated Chancellor Angela Merkel’s migration approach; Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel defended her policy citing migrants escaping terrorism.
• Interpol: Secretary General Jürgen Stock condemned the "cold-blooded" nature of the attacks and committed full operational assistance for investigative efforts.
• : Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg denounced the assaults, affirming that "terrorism will never defeat democracy." NATO headquarters lowered flags in a gesture of solidarity.
• Nordic Council: President Höskuldur Þórhallsson described the attacks as assaults on common values including liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: Secretary-General José Ángel Gurría offered condolences while emphasizing unity in protecting democratic freedoms.
• Organisation internationale de la Francophonie: Secretary General Michaëlle Jean strongly condemned the terrorist acts, underscoring global resistance against terrorism.
• Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): Issued condemnation of the attacks, expressing sincere condolences and rejecting terrorism that undermines universal human values upheld by France.
• : Secretary General Ernesto Samper referred to terrorism as a worldwide epidemic requiring universal solidarity with victims, expressing South America’s sorrow and support for France.
• : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned these "despicable" acts, expressing confidence in French authorities to bring perpetrators to justice and extending sympathies to victims’ families.
  • United Nations Security Council Resolution 2249: The UNSC unanimously condemned these "barbaric and cowardly" attacks on civilians.

European Commission and Parliament

The assault interrupted the concluding stages of the Budget of the European Union negotiations, causing pauses as delegates monitored news updates. Commission Vice-President Kristalina Georgieva remarked that the incident spurred negotiators to finalize discussions promptly, achieving consensus five days ahead of the 18 November deadline. Both Commission Vice-President Federica Mogherini and EU defence ministers backed France’s appeal for military support under Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, marking its inaugural invocation since the treaty's enactment.

The United Kingdom announced plans to provide direct assistance to France in Syria, while multiple nations opted to aid by taking over missions in Africa, particularly in Mali and the Central African Republic. Germany pledged to deploy up to 650 troops to Mali along with 50 trainers for Kurdish forces in Iraq. Similar military commitments were declared by Spain, Lithuania, and Slovenia.

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, dismissed demands to overhaul EU migration policies, rejecting assertions that open borders contributed to the attacks. He promoted a response grounded in reinforced liberal principles, emphasizing the preservation of internal open borders—a position that drew criticism from the Czech Prime Minister.

European Council

In light of the attacks, European leaders—particularly in Germany—reevaluated migrant policies within the context of the ongoing European migrant crisis. Numerous German officials urged for enhanced vetting measures and criticized Chancellor Angela Merkel, though Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel defended her approach by highlighting that many migrants were escaping terrorism.

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve arranged a meeting with EU counterparts on 20 November in Brussels aimed at coordinating counter-terrorism initiatives. Reports emerged about strengthened Schengen border controls for EU nationals, including passport verifications and biometric checks, introduced as interim steps pending permanent regulatory adjustments.

Following the attacks, Poland's incoming European affairs minister Konrad Szymański expressed opposition to the EU's refugee redistribution plan. Prime Minister Beata Szydło acknowledged Poland’s international responsibilities but intended to seek modifications to refugee quotas while affirming commitment to previously agreed accommodation for 9,000 refugees.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán firmly rejected compulsory resettlement quotas. Czech Deputy Prime Minister Andrej Babiš advocated for sealing the Schengen border, whereas Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka characterized the attacks as a critical alert for Europe. Sobotka also censured President Miloš Zeman for endorsing anti-Islamic groups, with his administration maintaining deportations of migrants.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico pointed to the attacks as confirmation of his concerns regarding security threats associated with migrants from the Middle East.

Canada

Canada set a goal to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees by the close of 2015; however, by 24 November, it became evident that only 10,000 would be resettled within that year, with the remainder expected to arrive by March 2016. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted that stringent security protocols would safeguard Canadian citizens. Financial forecasts projected the six-year expenditure at roughly $1.1 billion. Provincial governments consented to receive refugees, most specifying the capacity they could accommodate. Planning for the operational aspects of resettlement was actively progressing.

On 22 November, announcements revealed that Canada intended to prioritize the admission of women, children, and families while excluding unaccompanied males from initial intake. Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale guaranteed a comprehensive screening process, though certain checks were planned to take place post-arrival. Nevertheless, some specialists raised doubts about the practicality of conducting exhaustive security assessments in conflict zones lacking formal law enforcement structures.

United States

The US House approved the American SAFE Act of 2015, which aimed to limit entry for Syrian and Iraqi refugees, but the legislation did not pass in the Senate. At least 31 state governors opposed accepting Syrian refugees, despite refugee admissions being under federal jurisdiction; conversely, many prominent city mayors expressed readiness to welcome additional refugees.

The United Nations called for ongoing acceptance of thoroughly vetted Syrian refugees to serve as a global model.

Responses from Other Countries

Numerous governments condemned the attacks and offered condolences, including:

Africa

• : President Abdelaziz Bouteflika denounced terrorism as a transnational menace.
• : President José Eduardo dos Santos voiced solidarity with France.
• : The government observed a day of mourning, lowering flags to half-staff and observing a moment of silence for victims.
• : President Joseph Kabila reaffirmed unity in combating terrorism.
• : President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed condolences and condemned terrorism; the Great Pyramid of Giza was illuminated with the flags of France, Lebanon, and Russia.
• : Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom extended condolences and solidarity.
• : President John Mahama condemned the attacks and wished a swift recovery to survivors.
• : President Uhuru Kenyatta denounced the attacks, referenced Kenya’s own experiences with terrorism, and pledged support in counterterrorism efforts.
• : President Hery Rajaonarimampianina conveyed sympathy; the foreign minister sent official condolences to France.
• : Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth condemned terrorism and committed to international collaboration.
• : King Mohammed VI strongly denounced the attacks and affirmed full solidarity.
• : President Hage Geingob emphasized unity against hatred; government officials condemned the attacks and stood in support of France.
• : President Muhammadu Buhari expressed shock and condolences while calling for global cooperation against terrorism.
• : Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo underscored international unity in response.
• : Minister Alain St. Ange signed a book of condolences and advocated for strengthened security partnerships.
• : President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned terrorist acts and reiterated support for France.
• : President Jacob Zuma sent sympathies; authorities assured safety for citizens residing in France.
• : Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ali Al-Sadiq condemned the attacks as violations of religious and human values.
• : President Faure Gnassingbé expressed compassion and solidarity with France.
• : President Beji Caid Essebsi denounced the attacks as barbaric; held discussions with President Hollande.
• : Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba condemned the incidents and signed a condolence register.
• : President Robert Mugabe offered condolences during the G20 summit; security officials highlighted regional intelligence sharing efforts to counter terrorism.

Americas

• : President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner publicly denounced the attacks.
• : Prime Minister Perry Christie condemned the incidents and offered sympathy to the families of the victims.
• : President Evo Morales expressed his support and solidarity with France.

• : President Dilma Rousseff labeled the events as "terrorist barbarity." The Ministry of External Relations conveyed profound sorrow and condolences, while the Brazilian Consulate in Paris assisted Brazilian nationals in France.
• : Governor General David Johnston shared grief and solidarity. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised support to France and highlighted collaboration with allies to maintain security.
• : President Michelle Bachelet described the attacks as "cowardly acts of terror."
• : President Juan Manuel Santos condemned the attacks and voiced solidarity with France.
• : Secretary Raúl Castro extended condolences to President Hollande on behalf of Cuba's government and citizens.
• : President Rafael Correa called for unity following the attacks.
• : President Alejandro Maldonado, Vice President Juan Alfonso Fuentes Soria, along with other officials, denounced the attacks.
• : The government condemned these actions as "despicable" and expressed condolences to France.
• : President Michel Martelly strongly denounced the attacks, underscoring the defense of freedom and tolerance, while showing solidarity with France.
• : Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller criticized the attacks as "heartless and barbaric," pledging unity in upholding universal values.
• : President Enrique Peña Nieto condemned the attacks, conveyed sympathies, coordinated with French authorities to assist Mexican citizens, and announced that the subject would be discussed at the G-20 Summit.
• : President Juan Carlos Varela condemned the assaults and ordered heightened security measures around the Panama Canal.
• : President Horacio Cartes referred to the incidents as "despicable terror acts."
• : President Ollanta Humala firmly condemned the attacks and called for collective solidarity.
• : Politician Gale Rigobert denounced the attacks and urged support for France.
• : President Barack Obama characterized the attacks as an assault on shared human values. In response, thirty states declared their refusal to accept Syrian refugees citing security concerns.
• : The government condemned these actions and called for intensified efforts against terrorism.
• : President Nicolás Maduro denounced these terrorist acts and expressed solidarity with France.

Asia

• : President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani emphasized that terrorism transcends borders and expressed solidarity with France.
• : Bahrain strongly denounced the attacks and offered condolences to France.
• : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Abdul Hamid condemned the violence, expressing shock and support for France.
• : Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah sent a condolence letter to the French President condemning the attacks.
• : Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed shock at the events; opposition parties also condemned them. Notably, a Cambodian restaurant was among those targeted during the attacks.
• : Premier Li Keqiang, Secretary Xi Jinping, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the assaults, extended condolences, and pledged cooperation with France in combating terrorism.
  • : Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying condemned these acts and issued an amber travel advisory for France.
• : Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araújo expressed solidarity with France while condemning terrorism in all forms.
• : Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside President Pranab Mukherjee denounced the attacks, expressing their support for France.
• : President Joko Widodo condemned terrorism broadly, urging international collaboration against it.
• : Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and President Hassan Rouhani described the incidents as crimes against humanity; Rouhani canceled planned visits to Italy and France in response.
• : Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi highlighted the necessity of global cooperation to counter terrorism effectively.
  • : Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani conveyed condolences and emphasized worldwide unity against terrorism.
• : Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed sympathy, ordered flags lowered to half-mast, and increased security protocols.

• : Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, and Prime Minister Shinzō Abe condemned the attacks, pledged cooperation with French authorities, and enhanced security around French interests in Japan.
• : King Abdullah II of Jordan issued a strong condemnation of the attacks.
• : President Nursultan Nazarbayev identified terrorism as a threat to global security and condemned it firmly.
• : Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah denounced these terrorist acts as inconsistent with religious teachings.
• : President Almazbek Atambayev condemned terrorism and supported international counter-terrorism initiatives.
• : The government strongly rebuked terrorism and reaffirmed its commitment to global anti-terrorism collaboration.
• : Hezbollah's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, along with groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, condemned these attacks; various Syrian rebel factions also issued strong denunciations.
• : Prime Minister Najib Razak labeled the attacks "outrageous" and called for unity in opposing terrorism worldwide.
• : Foreign Minister Purevsuren Lundeg sent condolences while vehemently condemning this assault on universal values.
• : Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli expressed condemnation of the attack along with condolences to France.
• : Foreign Minister Ri Su-yong conveyed sympathy messages, hoping for peace restoration in France soon.
• : Sultan Qaboos bin Said condemned these violent acts; officials from his ministry expressed sympathies toward victims' families.
• : The government strongly repudiated these attacks; Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, President Mamnoon Hussain, and National Assembly members voiced solidarity with France.
• : President Mahmoud Abbas denounced these terrorist actions and extended sympathies to France's people.
• : Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte alongside President Benigno Aquino III condemned the assaults; security was heightened for APEC 2015 held in Manila following these events.
• : Foreign Affairs Minister Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah strongly repudiated these heinous acts committed in Paris.
• : The Saudi Government condemned these attacks; senior clerics affirmed that terrorism contradicts Islamic principles.
• : President Tony Tan together with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong extended condolences; Singapore Police conducted emergency preparedness drills after the incidents.
• : President Park Geun-hye offered condolences while pledging support for international counter-terrorism efforts.
• : President Maithripala Sirisena along with Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe condemned this attack, urging global unity against terrorism.
• : President Bashar al-Assad described perpetrators as "savage terrorists," drawing parallels with Syria’s own experiences; he criticized Western policies he claims facilitated terrorism’s spread.
• : President Emomali Rakhmon unequivocally denounced these attacks and expressed condolences to France’s people.
• : Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha extended deepest sympathies to families affected by this tragedy.
• : President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered condolences along with support to France during this difficult time.
• : President Truong Tan Sang together with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung sent messages of condolence concerning casualties resulting from these Paris attacks.

Europe

• : President Bujar Nishani and Prime Minister Edi Rama offered their sympathies.
• : The Prime Minister and Receiver General condemned the assaults and showed solidarity with France, lowering flags to half-mast.
• : Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan reaffirmed the nation’s support for France.

• : President Heinz Fischer condemned the attacks, expressing profound condolences and highlighting the need for unity against cruelty.
• : President Ilham Aliyev denounced the attacks and voiced support in combating terrorism.
• : President Alexander Lukashenko extended condolences and solidarity to the French people.
• : King Philippe of Belgium expressed unity with victims in France. In response to terror alerts, Belgium enforced a security lockdown, including metro closures and event cancellations.
• : The Presidency condemned the attacks as assaults on humanity and democracy, calling for unity.
• : President Rosen Plevneliev strongly condemned the attacks; Prime Minister Boyko Borissov pledged full support to victims and authorities. Bulgaria withdrew from the EU refugee relocation scheme.
• : President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović conveyed shock and expressed solidarity; Prime Minister Zoran Milanović elevated security alert without attributing it to migration issues. A national day of mourning was declared by the government.
• : President Nicos Anastasiades denounced the attacks as cowardly acts that sparked global condemnation.
• : Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and Foreign Minister Lubomír Zaorálek expressed shock, solidarity, and willingness to cooperate with France. Deputy PM Andrej Babiš advocated closing Schengen borders. Sobotka described the attacks as a wake-up call for Europe but criticized President Miloš Zeman for backing anti-Islamic groups.
• : Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen condemned the attacks as unfathomable, expressing profound sorrow and support.

  • The government issued a statement expressing condolences.

• : Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand condemned the incident, reaffirming solidarity with France in combating terrorism.
• : Prime Minister Juha Sipilä and President Sauli Niinistö expressed shock and committed support to France.
• : President Giorgi Margvelashvili offered condolences and stood united against terrorism.
• : Chancellor Angela Merkel extended her sympathies emphasizing Germany’s closeness with France; President Joachim Gauck urged resilience. Merkel defended refugee policies while underscoring enhanced security measures.
• : Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras along with the Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as assaults on Europe's democratic principles.
• : Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced national mourning, linking migrant quotas to terrorism threats, rejecting mandatory resettlement plans, and strengthening national security protocols.
• : President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson and Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson denounced the attacks as barbaric extremism; affirmed commitment to French values.
• : Taoiseach Enda Kenny and President Michael D. Higgins expressed shock, solidarity, and prayers for victims.
• : Prime Minister Matteo Renzi described the attacks as global assaults; Interior Minister raised nationwide alert; government committed €1 billion towards security and cultural initiatives combating terrorism.
• : President Raimonds Vējonis condemned the attacks calling for unity; government declared a day of national mourning.
• : President Dalia Grybauskaitė condemned the violence and extended sympathies.
• : Held a wreath-laying ceremony; flags were lowered to half-mast; a moment of silence was observed; attended by Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.
• : President Gjorge Ivanov condemned the assaults reaffirming resilience against terrorism.
• : Prime Minister Joseph Muscat expressed solidarity; ordered flags at half-mast; observed a minute's silence.
• : Parliament condemned the attacks expressing unity; declared a national day of mourning.
• : Prince Albert II sent condolences to France.
• : The President offered support affirming solidarity with France.
• : Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed sympathy and support toward France.
• : King Harald V, Prime Minister Erna Solberg, and Foreign Minister Børge Brende condemned the attacks offering condolences.
• : President Andrzej Duda declared mourning; initially rejected EU refugee plan but later agreed while emphasizing security priorities.
• : President Cavaco Silva, Assembly Speaker Ferro Rodrigues, Prime Minister Passos Coelho, and opposition leader António Costa conveyed condolences; French flag displayed on Assembly building façade; cultural landmarks illuminated in French colors.
• : President Klaus Iohannis expressed sorrow urging stronger anti-terrorism efforts; French embassy opened condolence book.

• : President Vladimir Putin sent condolences highlighting terrorism's barbarity; Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev called for united action against extremism.
• : President Tomislav Nikolić and Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić extended condolences offering full support against terrorism; flags were lowered for three days.
• : President Andrej Kiska condemned the attacks; Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák pledged full support to France; Prime Minister Robert Fico linked migration issues to security risks monitoring Muslim communities closely.<reef></reef>
• : Presidents Borut Pahor (Slovenia) and Petro Poroshenko (Ukraine) jointly mourned losses expressing solidarity with France.<reef name="auto1"/>
• : Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sent condolences offering cooperation between Spanish police/intelligence services and their French counterparts; maintained counter-terror alert level. King Felipe VI also extended sympathies.<reef></reef><reef></reef><reef></reef><reef></reef>
• : King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed sorrow emphasizing shared values under attack; Vice Prime Minister Åsa Romson's tweet linking attacks to climate conference drew criticism for misplaced focus.<reef></Reff>

* :President Simonetta Sommaruga condemned attacks affirming shared societal values and collaboration with France on security assessments .<Reff> </Reff> 
* :President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan acknowledged Turkey's experience with terror ,expressed condolences ;Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu stressed terror targets universal values beyond nations or religions .<Reff> </Reff> 
* :President Petro Poroshenko expressed shock ,solidarity ;laid flowers at French embassy alongside Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk ;joint statement with Slovenia's president calling for global anti-terror measures .<Reff> </Reff> 

* :Prime Minister David Cameron described attack as horrifying ,pledged UK-France unity ;Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn cancelled speech ,condemned acts ,laid flowers at French embassy ;Union Flag flown at half-mast on government buildings ;Security services recruiting additional staff post-attacks .<Reff> </Reff> 
**:Premier Michael Dunkley condemned attack ,offered assistance via French consulate .<Reff> </Reff> 
**:First Ministers Peter Robinson & Martin McGuinness issued joint statement expressing sympathy & solidarity .<Reff> </Reff> 
**:First Minister Nicola Sturgeon signed condolence book at French consulate ,expressed thoughts & prayers .<Reff> </Reff> 
**:First Minister Carwyn Jones described events as awful ,postponed football team reception as mark of respect .<Reff> </Reff> 
**:Chief Minister Fabian Picardo expressed condolences ;Moorish Castle lit in French colors ,flags at half mast .<Reff> </Reff> 
**:Chief Minister Jonathan Le Tocq conveyed dismay & sympathy .**:Chief Minister Ian Gorst sent public condolence letter to Hollande .<Reff> </Reff> 
*:Pope Francis condemned violence & blasphemy of justifying terror in God's name ;Vatican press director Federico Lombardi denounced terrorist hatred emphatically .<Reff> </Reff>

Oceania

• : Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull conveyed his support for France, affirming that Australia stands "side by side" in the battle against terrorism. Despite the attacks, Australian security agencies did not elevate the terror alert level. Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove also denounced the attacks, underscoring a shared sense of sorrow.
• : Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama described the assaults as "particularly appalling" and extended Fiji’s heartfelt sympathies and unity with France.
• : New Zealand Prime Minister John Key expressed condolences to those affected and committed New Zealand’s cooperation with France in counterterrorism efforts.
• : In a letter to French President François Hollande, Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi condemned the "wicked and heinous" attacks, emphasizing their assault on fundamental human values.

Partially recognized states

• : President Atifete Jahjaga proclaimed 15 November a national day of mourning, ordering flags to fly at half mast both within Kosovo and at its diplomatic missions abroad. Prime Minister Isa Mustafa urged a united global response against terrorism, while Foreign Minister Hashim Thaçi reaffirmed Kosovo’s support for France.
• : President Mustafa Akıncı labeled the attacks as an "utter atrocity," expressing profound sorrow and highlighting solidarity in opposing crimes against humanity.
• : Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou alongside major presidential contenders condemned the terrorist acts, pledging support for the French populace and hoping for a rapid return to stability.

World landmarks illuminated in the colours of the French flag

In response to the attacks, many iconic monuments worldwide were illuminated with the blue, white, and red of the French flag as a symbol of international solidarity.

Vigils and commemorations

French exchange students studying abroad gathered at Union Square in New York City, where they lit candles and sang the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise". Similar vigils were held in cities such as Sydney, Montreal, London, New York City, Glasgow, and Manila, among others.

On 14 November, German pianist Davide Martello arrived at the Bataclan theatre—the site where approximately 80 people lost their lives—bringing his grand piano by bicycle. There, he performed John Lennon’s "Imagine" for a crowd gathered outside. Martello is recognized for his performances in conflict zones, including locations affected by the Charlie Hebdo attacks.

During London’s 800th annual Lord Mayor's Show, a moment of silence lasting two minutes was observed; flags were lowered to half-mast and planned fireworks displays were canceled. In Athens, flags representing France, Greece, and the European Union were flown at half-mast, while Christmas lights remained switched off.

The European Union designated 13 November as a European Day of Mourning, with member countries observing a minute of silence on 16 November at 12 p.m. Central European Time to pay tribute to the victims. In the United Kingdom, public venues and government buildings displayed both UK and French flags at half-mast as a mark of respect.

On 17 November, during the football match between England and France at Wembley Stadium, London, supporters united to sing "La Marseillaise" ahead of a minute’s silence. Following the attacks, "La Marseillaise" was played before every English Premier League game during the first weekend of matches. Additionally, French club Paris Saint-Germain was authorized to feature 'Je suis Paris' on their jerseys for two fixtures.

In war-affected Damascus, residents penned an open letter expressing their solidarity: "We extend our hands to all people who cherish peace and freedom, especially the French."

Social media

Immediately after the attacks, Parisians turned to social media, notably using the Twitter hashtag #PorteOuverte ("#OpenDoor"), to offer refuge to strangers stranded amidst the chaos. This hashtag rapidly gained global traction. A reinterpretation of the International Peace Symbol by London-based French graphic designer Jean Jullien, incorporating the Eiffel Tower, circulated widely alongside hashtags such as #PeaceForParis, #PrayForParis, #PrayForFrance, and #JeSuisParis. Facebook reactivated its safety check feature for users in Paris and promoted an option to overlay a transparent French flag on profile pictures as a gesture of support.

Expressions like "Je Suis Paris" and "We are all Parisians" appeared internationally across news outlets and social platforms to convey unity—mirroring sentiments seen after January 2015’s Charlie Hebdo shooting with "Je Suis Charlie." French diplomatic missions adopted #NousSommesUnis ("We are united").

The hashtag #PrayforParis attracted some criticism for its religious implications. The Dalai Lama remarked, "Humans created this problem and humans must solve it." Meanwhile, artist Joann Sfar proposed replacing it with #ParisIsAboutLife.

Certain ISIL sympathizers employed the hashtag #باريس_تشتعل ("Paris burns"), which had been used during the January 2015 attacks. In response, many social media users reclaimed it as #Parisburns in support of the victims. Muslim communities condemned the violence using hashtags including #NotInMyName and #MuslimsAreNotTerrorist.

A Facebook initiative sought to propel Eagles of Death Metal’s cover of Duran Duran’s "Save a Prayer" to number one on the UK Singles Chart; it ultimately reached number 53 in the week following the attacks.

Google displayed a black ribbon on its homepage as a tribute to those who lost their lives. Platforms like Skype enabled free calls to France to assist individuals in contacting loved ones and confirming their safety.

Additional reactions

NBC's Saturday Night Live chose to forgo its typical comedic cold open; instead, cast member Cecily Strong delivered a message to Paris on behalf of New York City, followed by a translation into French. After this opening statement, the program returned to its usual format. This was only the sixth occasion that SNL omitted its cold open, previously doing so for significant events such as the September 11 attacks and the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

In the aftermath of the attacks, the French news program Le Petit Journal captured public sentiment in Paris. Reporter Martin Weill interviewed a six-year-old boy named Brandon, whose straightforward description of the attackers as "really, really mean" struck a chord and quickly gained widespread attention across both French and English-language media.

The hacktivist collective Anonymous initiated its most extensive campaign yet targeting ISIL, claiming to have disabled 3,824 pro-ISIL Twitter accounts and revealed numerous recruiters within just two days.

Due to heightened security concerns, the National Football League enhanced safety measures for week 10 of the 2015 season by introducing metal detectors and limiting allowable bag types. Every team observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims.

Likewise, the WWE revised its security procedures and held a moment of silence before the 16 November broadcast of Monday Night Raw, incorporating symbols of unity such as the French flag and an Eiffel Tower peace sign.

Adverse reactions

During a football match against Greece, certain Turkish fans booed during a minute of silence dedicated to the attacks, with reports indicating that some chanted "Allahu akbar," reminiscent of a similar occurrence during a minute of silence for the 2015 Ankara bombings, where minority groups including Alevis and Kurds were predominantly affected. At a Moldova-Azerbaijan game, Azerbaijani supporters also booed during a minute of silence.

Statements from Muslim organizations

Muslim leaders and groups worldwide condemned the attacks, underscoring that such acts contradict Islamic principles. Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, Iraq, Turkey, and Iran spearheaded these denunciations. Al-Azhar, Cairo’s historic Islamic theological center, firmly rejected the attacks as incompatible with religious and humanitarian values. Mirza Masroor Ahmad, leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, expressed sympathy while affirming that these actions oppose teachings found in the Quran. Muslim federations in France and religious authorities in Luxembourg also issued strong condemnations.

The Muslim Council of Britain described the attacks as "horrific and abhorrent," emphasizing there is "nothing Islamic" about such violence. The Association of British Muslims characterized the assaults as assaults on shared European freedoms and values.

In contrast, Syria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, al-Nusra Front, praised the attacks despite its opposition to ISIL.

In Australia, Grand Mufti Ibrahim Abu Mohamed controversially linked terrorism to factors including racism and foreign policy decisions. Following criticism for not explicitly condemning the attacks initially, he clarified that these issues do not justify terrorism and reaffirmed his consistent condemnation of all forms of terrorist violence.

Political responses

The assaults sparked heightened discussions regarding mass surveillance and intensified demands to limit strong encryption or communication methods that are difficult to monitor. Soon after, authorities discovered a PlayStation 4 in a suspect's residence, supporting Belgian home affairs minister Jan Jambon's prior assertion that terrorists utilized PlayStation 4 systems for communication purposes. Although these chats are not encrypted, they allow users to interact with unfamiliar individuals, which complicates traffic analysis—a technique that can identify communication patterns even within encrypted messages. U.S. CIA Director John Brennan linked the adoption of encryption by terrorist groups in part to leaks made by Edward Snowden, a perspective criticized as "a new and disgraceful low" in an editorial by the New York Times.

In the course of the second debate during the 2016 U.S. Democratic presidential primary, Bernie Sanders connected terrorism to climate change, arguing that competition over resources fuels such violence—a viewpoint that faced opposition from Republican senators.

See also

• Anti-terrorism legislation
• Je suis Charlie
• ISIL-related terror attacks in France
• Law on the fight against terrorism
• List of Islamist terrorist attacks
• Terrorism in France
• War on Terror