Update: This morning CNN.com reported that the jihadist extremist organizaiton ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks. According to new reports, at least 128 are dead, 80 of whom were killed in the theatre. At least 180 people were injured, and more than half of them are in critical condition. Numbers are expected to fluctuate in the aftermath of the attacks as the situation becomes clearer.
As Paris was filled with tourists the night of Nov. 13 for a soccer match between France and Germany, tragedy struck when terrorists armed with machine guns and bombs invaded businesses near the Stade de France, the national stadium of France. According to CNN.com, 153 are reported to be dead so far after “a total of six locations were attacked in and just outside the capital.” The most recent update reports that eight extremists are dead, seven of which were killed in suicide bombings.
President of France Francois Hollande was evacuated from the stadium at halftime after several explosions were heard and nearby shootings and bomb threats at local restaurants were reported, according to ABC News. The gunmen, who are still unidentified, murdered at least 112 people at the Bataclan Theatre, according to CNN.
Around 11 p.m., Hollande declared a state of emergency in France and closed the nation’s borders. Police removed at least 100 hostages from the theatre and are continuing the search for the terrorists. Officials are unclear as to what organization is responsible for the attacks.
In light of the situation, Harding International Programs released a statement.
“We are concerned about the unfolding events in Paris,” Jeffrey Hopper, dean of international programs, said in a statement on Harding’s website. “It is too soon to tell where these developments will lead us. France has closed its borders and at present there are no Harding students or faculty from the International Programs in France.”
President Bruce McLarty also commented on Twitter about the unfolding events.
“Harding continues to update our information on the situation in Paris,” McLarty said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the people of France.”
Harding International Security Advisor Bruce Tully is monitoring the situation and providing constant updates to the International Programs faculty. Tully said he relies on information from an international network of former agents to obtain intelligence ahead of the media and pass it along to Harding administration.
Tully has provided overseas students and faculty with a threat advisory report warning them against independent travel in France. Tully said he is continuously analyzing the threat levels in various areas of Europe to determine which locations students should avoid.
“As of right now, I don’t see the need for any evacuations,” Tully said. “I am watching this very closely and will advise should that occur.”
Junior Caroline Nelson is currently studying abroad in London as part of the Harding University in England (HUE) program, which visited Paris earlier in the semester. HUE students will begin their independent travels within the next week. Nelson said although the attacks in Paris have determined that she will not be returning to France, they have not deterred her from making the most of her experience overseas.
“Harding is really taking care of our physical safety,” Nelson said. “I know for me, this has really just opened my eyes to the fact that it could happen anywhere at any time. You always need to be aware, smart and trust your gut. I was in Paris three weeks ago, and who’s to say that this couldn’t have happened when I was there?If I thought all of the time about how bad things can happen anywhere at anytime, I would go crazy and never leave my room. I’m planning on still traveling throughout Europe, just trusting that God always has my best interest in mind. I just have to live in God’s peace.”
Tully said he always encourages students not to live in fear, but to be aware of their surroundings. Tully is the Head Instructor at the U.S. Foreign Service Institute in Washington D.C., where he teaches an international safety course to U.S. diplomats. Tully said he uses the same methodology with Harding students and faculty.
“The terrorist incident in Paris this evening is not unexpected and is part of a larger terrorist organization that is ongoing worldwide,” Tully said. “What is important to realize is that regardless of where we are in the world, there are no borders for terrorism. People need to practice situational awareness and realize it can happen anywhere, at any time. “
Tully said that even students in the U.S. should continue to be on the alert for terrorist activity. He explained that “copycat” perpetrators not affiliated with any terrorist organization could be active within the coming days.
“I have advised that all students, even in Searcy, review the guidelines on how to protect themselves in active shooter situations,” Tully said. “Make no mistake about it — terrorism is not going away. Be situationally aware and be ready to protect yourself.”
For continued security updates about Harding’s international programs, visitwww.harding.edu/academics/study-abroad/security.
