6 things to know now about Paris attacks

Credit: Pascal Le Segretain

Credit: Pascal Le Segretain


Several major developments have occurred after Friday night's terrorist attacks in Paris. Here's what we know now.

1. "An act of war"

French prosecutor Francois Molins has confirmed 129 people have died and 352 have been injured. Molins said 99 are in critical condition, so the death toll is expected to rise. President Hollande identified ISIS as the culprit, called the attack an "act of war" and vowed to strike back.

2. Who is behind the attacks?

Shortly after Preisident Hollande accused ISIS of being responsible for the attack, the militant group confirmed their part in an online memo.

There were eight suspects who carried out the attacks on behalf ISIS, the militant group said. Seven of eight attackers were strapped with (and used) suicide vests, according to reports. A Syrian passport was found on one suicide bomber outside of the stadium.

RELATED: What we know about the Paris terror suspects

The concert venue attackers detonated the vests as authorities closed in, according to AP.

French radio reporter Julien Pearce told CNN's Anderson Cooper the shooters were speaking in French, though he was not sure if they were French.

Raids conducted in Belgium on Saturday led to the arrests of several people suspected to be involved in the Paris attacks.

According to CNN and Le MondeFrench Parliament member Jean-Pierre Gorges, mayor of Chartres, said one of the dead attackers was Ismael Omar Mostefai, a 29-year-old French citizen. Investigators reportedly have detained six of his family members, but they haven't been arrested or charged with any crime, CNN reports.

RELATED: 5 things to know about Ismael Omar Mostefai

3. Where did the attacks happen?

The attacks happened in multiple places: a concert venue, a soccer stadium and at restaurants and bars in a popular nightlife district.

RELATED: Terror in Paris: A timeline of the Nov. 13 attacks

Interactive map: Where did the attacks occur?

The deadliest attack occurred at Le Bataclan, one of the city's most popular music venues, which is located in a central point in relation to the site of other attacks.

An American band, Eagles of Death Metal, was preparing to perform right before the attacks happened. The suspects started shooting on the outside then held the theater hostage while killing people in the audience, a French official said.

RELATED: Rock band escapes attack on local concert venue

The attack at the stadium, Stade de France, occurred during an exhibition soccer match between France and Germany. While at capacity, only three people died from two suicide bombings at the stadium, according to AP. President Hollande was in attendance at the game when the bomb went off.

RELATED: Watch Paris explosion heard during soccer match

Three restaurants were targeted as well; 18 people were shot at La Belle Equipe, while 14 died at shootings at Le Carillon and Le Petit Cambodge.

4. State of emergency

France has declared a state of emergency following the attacks and has given itself three days of national mourning. The last time a "state of emergency" was declared in France was in 2005. It can only last for up to 12 days unless extended by law.

RELATED: Survivor describes moments after restaurant attack

5. Americans among the injured

One American woman is among the dead, and two other Americans have been reported among the injured. Those concerned about U.S. citizen in Paris can call 1-888-407-4747 (in US) or 202-501-4444 (overseas) for assistance.

RELATED: American college student killed in Paris attacks

6. How you can help

Those interested can donate to the following organizations.

• Donate to the Association française des Victimes du Terrorisme (in French), a French organization which provides "moral, technical and material support" to the victims of terrorism

• Donate to the French Red Cross (in French), which said it has sent hundreds of volunteers to Paris

• Donate to Restaurants du Cœur (in French), which provides food to those in need in France

• Donate to Secours Catholique-Caritas France (in French), a Catholic aid organization in France which provides support to people regardless of nationality or religious affiliation

• Donate to Secours Populaire Français, an anti-poverty organization that works in France and internationally

• If you have extra room in home, American citizens are offering shelter to stranded French tourists through the hashtag via #strandedinUS

• Parisians are opening their homes to those stranded, using the hashtag #PorteOuverte

• If you have friends, family or loved ones in Paris, see if they are out of harm's way using Facebook's Safety Check. Users can also mark other users "safe" using the tool, which will notify their Facebook friends.

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