Amid the chaos of gunfire and explosions in Paris on Friday night that left dozens dead, people used social media to share their sympathy, give advice, and open doors to their homes to others stranded in the French capital.
Gun and bomb attacks, which appeared to be coordinated, erupted across the city late in the evening including at the Stade de France during a soccer match. Nearly 100 concertgoers were reported to have been killed at the Bataclan music hall.
People used Twitter hashtags like #PorteOuverte (or open door) to tell others they could give them shelter in addition to sharing information about embassies. Another, #ParisAttacks provided a running commentary of news, prayers, and commentary. The hashtag #Prayers4Paris was also being used to send messages of support.
Other social media sites were being used by Parisians to share information or tell friends and family they’re safe. Facebook issued a safety check under the label Paris Terror Attacks. Users in Paris were able to “check in” and let contacts know they were safe.
Here’s some examples of tweets about the Paris attacks:
People opened their doors to strangers:
https://twitter.com/smilebucky/status/665312789859164160
Still have 2 places if needed near metro #marcadet (L4 & L12) at 43 rue Ordener #PorteOuverte just answer this msg
— Julien Philippe (@JulienPhilippe_) November 14, 2015
My Friends are safe, in a random woman's home. She's making them dinner, & preparing beds. Blessed. #PorteOuverte
— T. Westfield • iHandleStuff® (@TWestfield) November 13, 2015
Actor James Woods shared a photo of Dallas showing its support:
Omni Hotel in Dallas French flag solidarity…#ParisAttackspic.twitter.com/O3Bzq9RcNa
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) November 14, 2015
An account for Eagles of Death Metal, the band playing the concert attacked by gunmen, tweeted this:
— EaglesOfDeathMetal (@EODMofficial) November 13, 2015
Politicians came out in force:
The reports from Paris are harrowing. Praying for the city and families of the victims. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 13, 2015
Our hearts are with Paris tonight. As we learn more about these tragic attacks, we stand together. We will never bow. We will never break.
— VP Biden (Archived) (@VP44) November 14, 2015
Praying for Paris tonight. America will stand with you against terror.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) November 13, 2015
Praying for victims of attacks in Paris and for those reportedly held hostage.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 13, 2015
Jean-Louis Gassée, a former top Apple executive who was originally from France:
Hard to comprehend the scope of today’s tragedy in Paris. Sad. Bad omen. Victims. Aftermath…
— Jean-Louis Gassée (@gassee) November 14, 2015
Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s CEO:
2/4 The local police and authorities are providing updates via Twitter @prefpolice and @Paris (both in French).
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) November 14, 2015
Actor Rob Lowe weighed in on the security precautions after the attack:
Oh, NOW France closes its borders. #Hollande
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) November 13, 2015
French soccer star Thierry Henry:
https://twitter.com/ThierryHenry/status/665310592459251712