Winnipeggers react to violent act of terrorism in Paris

WINNIPEG — Dozens of Manitobans showed up to stand in solidarity with France and its citizens who are dealing with the tragic aftermath of Friday’s terrorism attacks that killed dozens of people and injured hundreds of others.

Roughly 60 people showed up to a vigil being held Saturday afternoon at the Manitoba Legislature put on by the French Consul in Winnipeg.

Honourary French Consul Bruno Burnichon said France will continue to fight the terrorists.

READ MORE: Vigil to be held in Winnipeg for lives lost in Paris

“France once again has been attacked and is under siege. France is at war. But France will continue to defend itself,” said Burnichon. “We know we will succeed in fighting these demons.”

Marie Morvan is from France but moved to Winnipeg 11 years ago. Her family is still living in a small town about an hour north of Paris.

“I’m mostly angry and a little bit shocked. Everything happened at the same time,” said Morvan. “It’s heartbreaking. I have a cousin who lives in Paris near where one of the attacks happened.”

Morvan said the attack has left her shaken and scared that something like this could happen here in Manitoba.

“If it happens in Paris, it can happen anywhere else,” she said. “You just don’t know when it is going to happen.”

Both Premier Greg Selinger and Mayor Brian Bowman were in attendance at the afternoon event to lend their support.

View image in full screen

Earlier in the day Bowman said flags at City Hall were being lowered to half-mast in support of France.

“We wish to express our solidarity with the people of France,” said Bowman. “We should not become desensitized with these types of events that happen in the world nor should we ever allow hate and terrorism to triumph over humanity and hope. These attacks were senseless and unacceptable. We also recognize that they were cowardly.”

Selinger said the latest act of terrorism will not stop his fellow premiers from making the trip to France later this month to take part in the climate summit.

“This is a time to step up, not step back,” Selinger said. “We will not leave France alone at this time.”

Meantime, the premier said the provincial government will continue to support the federal government to accept 2,000 Syrian refugees.

However, a terrorism expert said now is the time to take a second look at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s plan to bring 25,000 refugees to Canada.

READ MORE: Liberal government still holding back plan on Syrian refugees

“When you’ve got 25,000 people, all you need as 2 or 1 or 6,” said terrorism expert Gary Solar. “It doesn’t take much. I think the direction now is to take a step back and look at this. I know it’s hard to do but you don’t want to play Russian Roulette with Canadian lives.”

The death toll from Friday’s attacks has now hit at least 129  people at six sites, with more than 300 others wounded.

WATCH: Huge crowd rallies in solidarity with France

Since the attacks, Burnichon has spent the past 24 hours answering hundreds of phone calls and emails from Winnipeggers who are worried and distraught about friends and family in  Paris.

“Bare with me,” said a visibly shaken and emotional Burnichon as he spoke Saturday. “I’d like to express my sincere condolences to the people in France and of course our sympathy to the people and hundreds of injured people who I hope will make it.”

“Everybody wants to know what is happening,” he said.

Meanwhile, Winnipeg police spokesman Const. Eric Hofley said officers have been told to have “heightened vigilance” in the city in the wake of the attacks in Paris.

“Officers already have vigilance,” Hofley said. “But this does show a seemingly normal day can turn tragic very quickly. Our thoughts are going out to the victims and the survivors of the attack.”