12 dead in Paris after ‘terror attack’ on magazine

The masked gunmen shouted “Allahu akbar!” as they stormed the building

The masked gunmen shouted “Allahu akbar!” as they stormed the building, killing 10 journalists and two police officers, security officials confirmed. The magazine staff was in an editorial meeting, around lunchtime in Paris, when at least two gunmen opened fire. Eleven others were wounded, four of those injuries are serious.

Witnesses said the gunmen spoke perfect French.

Charlie Hebdo has frequently drawn condemnation from Muslims. In 2011, the magazine was attacked after it ran a cartoon depicting Muḥammad. The artist was reportedly killed in Wednesday’s attack. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, and was condemned by world leaders as an attack on freedom of expression, but praised by supporters of the militant Islamic State group.

French President Francois Hollande said “several terrorist attacks were thwarted in recent weeks” but this is of exceptional barbarity. In response, France has raised its alert to the highest level, reinforcing security at houses of worship, stores, media offices and public transportation.