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In the wake of such tragedy, one must be permitted if they have difficulty finding words. Friday' night's terrorist attacks in Paris, France left over 127 people dead, including roughly 80 who were gunned down during a sold-out concert at the Bataclan concert hall. Reports are currently circulating that the Islamic fundamentalist group known as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh has claimed responsibility for the violence, calling it "The first of the storm." French President Francois Hollande has called the attacks "An act of war" and declared three national days of mourning across the nation.
Words did come to many, though, including Frank Ocean, Questlove, El-P, Flying LotusTalib Kweli, Freddie Gibbs and other artists whose music in many ways defines and propels Okayplayer. Below is a brief sampling of messages shared in the wake of the attacks.
It should be pointed out that Frank Ocean's extended (and scathing) remarks were, in part, directed at Donald Trump specifically, who hinted that France's strict gun control laws were to blame for the violence.
Frank Ocean:
ON THE REAL THOUGH DONALD TRUMP. HOW IS IT INTERESTING THAT THESE SHOOTINGS HAPPENED IN A COUNTRY THATS TOUGH ON GUNS? TELL US DON? BECAUSE IT SOUNDS LIKE THAT VACUOUS OBSERVATION WAS ABOUT GIVING YOUR NRA-LOVING CONSTITUENCY A HANDJOB AND SPINNING A TRAGEDY FOR POLITICAL GAIN AND IM THINKING MAYBE USING A SITUATION WHERE DOZENS OF INNOCENTS HAVE JUST BEEN MURDERED IN THE STREETS ISNT THE BEST TIME. NO?
He continued:
"evil anywhere in the world."LOVE TO PARIS AND ANY INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY WHOS LOST LOVED ONES TO EVIL ANYWHERE IN THIS WORLD. CHILL W THE ANGLES.
None— LiLi Ali (@LiLi Ali) 1447506247
Others, including Pharrell, Jarobi White and Big K.R.I.T. shared images of the Eiffel Tower with the words "Pray(ers) for Paris" on Instagram.
It should also be pointed out that Friday's attacks were the second violent outbursts by ISIS against innocent people in a cosmopolitan city. 43 people were killed in Beirut Thursday when two suicide bombers attacked a residential neighborhood. Okayplayer's thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of both these great cities.
