Connecticut politicians weighing in on the mass shooting that killed at least 12 people at a Parisian satirical news magazine Wednesday are calling the attack an affront to free speech and democracy.
U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-5) is calling for President Barack Obama to provide support to France after the shooting massacre at Charlie Hebdo in Paris France that resulted in the death of journalists and police.The tragedy happened after the satirical publication named Muslim Prophet Muhammad the editor-in-chief of its next issue, which featured an illustration of the Prophet on the cover, NBC News reported.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrific terrorist attack and their loved ones. As a global community, we value the freedom of the press," Esty said in a statement. "I strongly condemn today’s abhorrent assault on this basic tenant of free societies. I urge President Obama and his administration to offer President François Hollande and French officials all available U.S. assistance to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) also weighed in, stating that the attacks are a violation of "freedom and democracy."
"Today we stand in solemn solidarity with our friends and allies in France and condemn in the strongest terms the cowardly terrorist attack this morning at the offices of Charlie Hebdo," Murphy said in a statement. "An attack against this newspaper - against journalists, cartoonists, and editors - is a strike at the most fundamental ideals of freedom and democracy. I’m absolutely appalled by the extremists who have once again demonstrated that they have nothing to offer but violence and fear. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and to the people of France as they remember the compatriots who were lost today. "
His fellow U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) called the mass shooting "senseless," "heinous" and an "assault free on speech across the world."
"My heart is with the victims and their families," Blumenthal tweeted.
