Update: 12:45 a.m.: A U.S. official present in a Justice Department briefing says that there are still 70 U.S. citizens in France that have not yet been accounted for, per the AP. The same official says that the Justice Department was unaware of any possible threats made against Paris. However, no Americans have been reported dead. Facebook has also activated its Safety Check feature to allow people in Paris to report their status.
This is developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available. For ongoing, breaking news coverage of the attacks in Paris, click here.
After a series of shootings and explosions shocked Paris Friday night, Parisians have turned to Twitter to offer support to those in need.
This is developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available. For ongoing, breaking news coverage of the attacks in Paris, click here.
After a series of shootings and explosions shocked Paris Friday night, Parisians have turned to Twitter to offer support to those in need.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Those in the area of the attacks have been tweeting with the hashtag #PorteOuverte to reach out and offer a place to stay for those affected by the attacks. "Porte ouverte," which translates to "open door," is quickly overtaking Twitter. People located in the area of the attacks started the hashtag, although it is now also being used by people tweeting their support from across France and around the world.
If you're in Paris looking for shelter, use hashtag #PorteOuverte. Parisians will let you in their home.
— Audrey C. (@the_audreyc) November 13, 2015
French President François Hollande declared a state of emergency across France, and announced that the republic will close its borders. "We must in these harsh moments think about the victims, who are very numerous, for their families, for the wounded," Hollande said. "We have to be compassionate. We have to be united and keep a cold head. "
Hollande also imposed a curfew, which hasn't happened since World War II. For those stranded in the city, however, Parisians came together and started offering their homes for those in need.
Signal boost the hashtag #PorteOuverte. Parisians will welcome you into their home. Don't stay outside.
— Diederik (@DevTwoThousand) November 13, 2015
re: the #PorteOuverte hashtag
don't broadcast your location when finding shelter! use DMs and other private communication options!
be safe??
— solo (@brodinsons) November 13, 2015
cherche refuge #porteouverte boulevard sebastopol
— chou (@sasoch) November 13, 2015
#PorteOuverte I live by Gate du Nord in the 10eme on rue de Dunkerque.
Please call if you need shelter or wine: +33781784949
— Lloyd (@lloyd_ay) November 13, 2015
Taxi drivers are also reportedly turning off their meters and giving people stranded on Parisian streets free rides to shelter.