Hollande calls state of emergency, closes borders

French President Francois Hollande calls a state of emergency in all of France and says he is shutting down its borders amid a series of attacks that have killed at least 40 and up to 60 in the French capital tonight.

“A state of emergency is declared,” he says.

He speaks of “terrorist attacks on an unprecedented scale” in France. “It’s a horror.”

“All borders are closed so that all those who committed these crimes can be stopped if they try to leave.”

“We have to be united and keep a calm head,” he says.

“France needs to be strong, and we will be.”

France's President Hollande declares a state of emergency amid multiple attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015 (France 24 screenshot)
France’s President Hollande declares a state of emergency amid multiple attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015 (France 24 screenshot)

“Everyone must be responsible; what the terrorists want is for us to be scared. There is something to be scared about, but in the face of terror we have to be united and we will vanquish these terrorists.”

Hollande updates French citizens that some of the attacks are ongoing. “We have not finished these operations. There are some very difficult ones we are still dealing with.”

Please have faith in our security forces that they can defend us from terrorism,” he urges.

“Vive La Republique et vive la France,” he concludes.

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