Shots, Carjacking Reported in Hunt for Paris Terror Suspects

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2015-01-09

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve has confirmed that an operation is under way to capture the two brothers suspected of shooting 12 people to death Wednesday at the Paris headquarters of the Paris magazine Charlie Hebdo.

Television pictures show French police moving in a convoy on a rainy highway in the region of Seine-et-Marne, near Paris. There were reports of gunfire, although it is not clear exactly what has taken place.

The Associated Press reports Cazeneuve spoke moments after an emergency meeting with the president, prime minister and police officials.

French media report the two suspects are hiding in a warehouse in the town of Dammartin-en-Goele, about 40 kilometers northeast of Paris. There are also reports they have taken at least one hostage, but French officials have not confirmed that report.

More than 88,000 police and security forces are searching for the brothers. A third alleged gunman, 18-year-old Hamyd Mourad, surrendered after a day-long manhunt Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the world is mourning the 12 people killed in Wednesday's mass murder at the satirical magazine known for making fun of all religions, including Islam. Two policemen are among the dead.

Parisians stood in silence in a chilly rain Thursday, holding up pens and pencils as a sign of the right to free speech. The lights of the Eiffel Tower dimmed Thursday night to honor the victims.

The U.N. Security Council held a moment of silence before Thursday's meeting.

President Barack Obama signed a book of condolence at the French embassy in Washington. He called the killings cowardly and evil.

Source: Voice of America

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