President Obama told the French people Friday that the United States would “fight alongside you to uphold our values,” in the wake of police killing the suspects involved in the deadliest terror attack on French soil in decades.
“We’re hopeful that the immediate threat is now resolved,” Obama said, addressing the events in France ahead of a speech on education in Tennessee.
“We grieve with you,” he added. “We stand for freedom and hope and the dignity of all.”
Earlier Friday, in two separate clashes, French police killed hostage takers. First, police killed the al Qaeda-linked brothers who allegedly attacked the Paris office of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. Then, police killed a separate hostage taker at a kosher grocery store in Paris — the gunman there was killed, as were three of his hostages, the Associated Press reported.
Since the brutal attack on Charlie Hebdo, Obama said his administration has been in constant contact with the French government, offering American aid.
Ahead of his Tennessee speech, Obama said he had received an update from his counterterrorism adviser on the latest developments in France.
“I want the people of France to know the United States stands with you today, stands with you tomorrow,” Obama said.
