Dear Mom and Dad,
I am in Biarritz currently and I've just heard the horrible news about the
shooting in Paris. I'm just writing to let you know that I am fine and well. Unfortunately the shootings left 12 dead, including the editor-in-chief, and 11 injured, 4 of whom are in critical condition. My heart goes out to their families.
When I first heard the news I was devastated. It happened on Wednesday and the shooters fled in a car. The french are still investigating the case but they have 3 suspects; two brothers and an accomplice. It happened in the 11th arrondissement.
According to the new, the shooters ran into the headquarters with AK-47's and began shooting while yelling out "Allahu Akbar." They then fled the scene killing a police officer on their way out. They then went on to raid a gas station.
Although they have three people detained, they aren't yet 100% sure if they are the shooters. We only have videos that show 2 men in balaclavas.
Many people are backing up the french with support and sympathy. John Kerry gave a speech about how the US will always be a friend to the French. The Imam in France also backed up the same people who called him a terrorists. He said that the people who were responsible for the shooting were not Muslims and that they worshiped a prophet of hate.
After seeing the cartoons that Charlie Hebdo put in their magazines, I understand why the "Muslim" extremists felt angered. Not only did they portray the prophet as a cartoon but they made fun of him and the religion. I believe that there are better way to handle the situation, but it is understandable why they reacted the way they did.
What I dont understand is why Charlie Hebdo made those cartoons in the first place. In 2011, their office was attacked by terrorists, thankfully without mortality. I understand that they want to have their freedom of speech but they shouldve been respectful. Especially since they knew what they were capable of.
