President Barack Obama delivered a statement reacting to the terrorist attacks in Paris calling it “an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians” and “an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share.”
He offered support to the French people, reminding Americans of the long standing alliance that the United States had with the country.
“We want to be very clear that we stand together with them in the fight against terrorism and extremism,” he said. He also lamented the fact that the attack occurred in Paris, reminding Americans that the city “represents the timeless values of human progress.”
“The American people draw strength from the French people’s commitment to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness,” he said. “We are reminded in this time of tragedy that the bonds of Liberté, égalité, and fraternité are not only values that the French people care so deeply about, but they are the values that we share.”
Obama did not describe the actions as a product of radical Islamic terror, but rather condemned “extremism” and “terrorism.”
“I don’t want to speculate at this point in terms of who was responsible for this,” he said, reminding reporters of the ongoing situation on the ground.
The attacks occur as Obama and other world leaders have been planning to attend a summit on climate change in Paris, scheduled to begin November 30.
Reporters asked if the attacks would change his travel plans, but he did not respond.