President François Hollande shut France’s borders and declared a national state of emergency on Friday as dozens of people were feared dead and scores taken hostage in a series of violent terror attacks in the capital city of Paris.
Early reports suggested at least 60 people had been killed in the attacks, and an estimated 100 taken hostage in a concert. French police officials told the AP that of 3 explosions outside the Stade de France, one was a suicide attack.
“This is a terrible test, another assault on France,” Hollande said. “We must, in these difficult moments, prove our our compassion and unity. Faced with terrorism, France must above all be strong. Each of us has a personal responsibility. There is much to fear, but facing these fears is a nation that knows how to muster its forces and will confront the terrorists.”
Paris officials say at least 100 hostages have been taken hostage at the Bataclan concert venue in the 11th Arrondissement and a number of people killed. According to multiple early reports, several hostages have reportedly escaped from the concert venue, although dozens remained inside.
Shortly after police arrived to surround the Bataclan, witnesses heard automatic gunfire around the theater, according to the Associated Press, although it was not immediately clear whether the shots were coming from the police or the attackers.
Another shooting was reported at a Cambodian restaurant near the 11th Arrondissement of the city, the AP reports. At least one shooter opened fire with a semi-automatic weapon, and a BBC reporter said he saw 10 people on the road, either dead or seriously injured.
There was also at least one explosion at the Stade de France appeared to coincide with a national soccer game against Germany, and Hollande was in attendance, according to French cable TV channel iTele. Police have closed Republique and Filles du Calvaire Metro stations. President Hollande has been safely evacuated from the stadium.
The American band Eagles of Death Metal was reportedly playing in the Bataclan, and the mother of one of the band members tells the Washington Post her son and other band members have escaped, although some crew remain trapped as hostages.
President Obama addressed the U.S. from the White House on Friday evening, expressing solidarity with the French people against terrorism and extremism. “This is an attack not just on the people of Paris, not just the people of France, but an attack on all of humanity,” he said. “Those who think they can terrorize the people of France or the values they stand for are wrong.”
Obama said that he has not yet contacted President Hollande because “my expectation is he’s very busy at this moment.” The Department of Homeland Security said it was monitoring the situation. “At this time, there is no specific or credible threat to the United States,” it said.
It’s not clear yet that the explosion heard at the stadium was linked to the shootings. No group has yet taken responsibility for the attacks.
Photos: Fatal Shootings, Explosions Rock Paris
![FRANCE. Paris. Terrorist attack. Panic scenes in Quay de Valmy. 2015. FRANCE. Paris. Terrorist attack. Panic scenes in Quay de Valmy. 2015.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/paris-attack-sessini-003.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris French fire brigade members carry an injured individual near the concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, on Nov. 13, 2015.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/paris-shooting-explosion-photos-2.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![A member of the French fire brigade aids an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris A member of the French fire brigade aids an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris on Nov. 13, 2015.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/paris-attacks-08.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Paris attacks Wounded people are evacuated from the Stade de France in Saint Denis, outside of Paris on Nov. 13, 2015.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/paris-shooting-013.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![APTOPIX France Paris Shootings Rescue workers attend to victims of the attacks in the 10th district of Paris on Nov. 13, 2015.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/paris-attacks-01.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![FRANCE-UNREST-ATTACK Police are seen outside a restaurant in 10th arrondissement of the French capital Paris on Nov. 13, 2015.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/paris-attacks-05.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![France - Terrorist Attack in Paris A suspect is apprehended near Place Republique on Nov. 13, 2015, in Paris.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/paris-attacks-2.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![FRANCE-ATTACKS-PARIS French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve (left) and French President Francois Hollande during an emergency meeting in the security control room at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on Nov. 13, 2015.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/paris-attacks-hollande-briefing-01.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![France Paris Shootings A police officer directs people outside the Stade de France stadium during the international friendly soccer France against Germany, Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 in Saint Denis, outside Paris. Two police officials say at least 11 people have been killed in shootouts and other violence around Paris. Police have reported shootouts in at least two restaurants in Paris. At least two explosions have been heard near the Stade de France stadium, and French media is reporting of a hostage-taking in the capital. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/paris-shooting-007.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Many Dead After Multiple Shootings In Paris Crowds wait on the pitch during a soccer match at Stade de France on Nov. 13, 2015 in Paris, after the game was halted following an explosion.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/497045630.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![APTOPIX France Paris Shootings Spectators invade the pitch of the Stade de France stadium after the international friendly soccer France against Germany, Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 in Saint Denis, outside Paris. At least 35 people were killed in shootings and explosions around Paris, many of them in a popular theater where patrons were taken hostage, police and medical officials said Friday. Two explosions were heard outside the Stade de France stadium. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/paris-shooting-009.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
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