BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- Dozens of people gathered in Buffalo for a moment of silence to remember the victims of the Paris attacks. At least 129 people were killed in the attacks and more than 350 people are injured.
“We all enjoy our freedom and I think what happened in Paris was a direct hit on our freedom in France, in America, all over the world,” said Pascal Soares, the honorary consul for France in Buffalo.
People at the vigil told us the French community in Western New York includes at least 50 people. They stood in support of those back home, expressing their horror at the attacks. The French flag was held over dozens of people at Lafayette Square.
“It’s good to see all of the French people here today, to be together and have a moment together,” said Fabrice Blache, who moved to Buffalo from France a year and a half ago.
He has friends in Paris and he said they are safe. Blache told News 4 the attacks amplify the feeling of unease in France that was created last January by the attack on the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.
“It’s getting worse since last year, it’s getting worse and worse,” he said. “We don’t feel safe in France right now.”
He said the vigil is about standing up to terrorists.
“I think for me it’s not just about France but about all big countries, Europe, the U.S.” said Blache. “For me it’s important to come today to show my support and I’m against these terrorist people.”
