Wakefield Council pays tribute to those killed in Paris shootings

Mayor of Wakefield, Coun Sandra Pickin, led the silence at a meeting of the full council today (Wednesday, January 14).

Two gunmen shouting Islamist slogans stormed a French satirical magazine office last Wednesday and killed 12 people.

A policewoman was also killed and a man seriously injured in a separate incident in a Paris suburb on Thursday before four more people were killed in a siege at a Jewish supermarket.

Wakefield Council leader Peter Box said: “What happened in Paris last week as a group of ordinary citizens went to work was deeply shocking.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the journalists and police officers killed, people who waved them off to work fully expecting them to come home at the end of the day.

“Instead, they received the terrible news of this shooting in the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. It sent shock waves round the world.

“As Paris holds a national day of mourning for those killed, we also remember them at this very sad time.

“In their memories, we must continue to stand strong against terrorism and fight for the freedom of speech.

“I am proud that in the district we foster tolerance, understanding and respect for each other in our communities.

“We must do all we can to make sure we live by these principles, even when challenged by such tragic events as those in Paris this week.”

The council will also be sending a letter of condolence to the French Ambassador as a mark of respect to those killed.