Taoiseach Comments On Paris Shootings

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has issued a statement following the shootings in Paris.

On Wednesday (7 January), at least two masked gunmen stormed the headquarters of satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris. Twelve people – 10 of which were editorial staff and two police officers – were shot dead, while several others were injured. Four remain in a critical condition in hospital.

Two of the men, said to be Cherif Kouachi and Said Kouachi, are still at large. A manhunt is underway. A third man, 18-year-old Hamyd Mourad, is said to have handed himself in to police on Wednesday evening after he was named on various news outlets and social media.

Issuing a statement in response to the tragedy, the Taoiseach said: "I am shocked and appalled by the brutal and horrific killings which occurred in Paris at the offices of the Charlie Hebdo magazine.

"Our thoughts are above all with the victims and their families, but also with the people of Paris and of France. The murder of journalists and writers at their place of work is a direct attack on the basic values of freedom of speech and of tolerance.

"That this should have happened in a city and a country which for centuries have been leaders in the international struggle for human rights is a particular outrage.

"On behalf of the Irish Government, I offer our total solidarity and support to our French colleagues and friends as they work to capture the perpetrators and bring them to justice."

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan added: "The targeting of a media publication is a direct attack on democracy and freedom, values which we cherish. Such attacks will only strengthen our resolve to vigorously uphold and defend these values in the face of hatred and violence.

"I hope and expect that the perpetrators of this appalling crime will be quickly brought to justice. I have assured the Ambassador that the Irish Government stands ready to assist in any way we can."

(JP)