After the deadly attack on Charlie Hebdo Magazine in Paris on Wednesday, which left 12 people dead, world leaders expressed their condolences to the French people and government. Egypt's Abdel Fatah El Sisi condemned the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo, voicing Cairo's solidarity with France and the families of the victims of the attack. According to a statement released by his office, the Egyptian President sent a letter of condolence to his French counterpart, Francois Hollande, in which he said, "Terrorism is an international phenomenon that should be confronted and eradicated through joint international efforts." The leaders of Britain and Germany made a telephone call to Hollande, during their meeting in London on Thursday, to offer support to the French people. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "The shooting is an attack not only on French citizens but also on the freedom of speech and of the press." British Prime Minister David Cameron said they told Hollande their thoughts were with the French people, and they offered whatever help France might need. US President Barack Obama visited the French embassy in Washington, D.C., on Thursday where he signed a condolence book for the victims and stood for a minute's silence. Obama wrote: "On behalf of all Americans, I extend our deepest sympathy to, and solidarity with, the people of France, following the terrible terrorist attack in Paris. As allies over the centuries, we stand united with our French brothers to ensure that justice is done and our way of life is defended. We move forward together, knowing that terror is no match for freedom and the ideals we stand for--ideals that light the world. Vive la France!" On Wednesday morning, three masked gunmen stormed the headquarters of the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine in Paris, killing 12 people and injuring five others. The massacre focused world attention on freedom of speech and protecting the lives of journalists against terrorism.
