Religious Right Responses to the Paris Massacre

The November 13th terrorist attacks in Paris, France have left the world reeling. The Washington Post reports that 129 people were killed in a series of suicide bombings and shootings at the Bataclan concert hall, the Stade de France, and several bars and restaurants. The attacks remind us that Islamic extremism continues to threaten innocent lives in both the West and the Middle East.

Paris prosecutor Francois Molins stated that the killings were carried out by seven terrorists divided into three teams, reports USA Today. According to the Washington Post, at least one of the seven dead attackers was a French national. Two of the dead attackers may be Belgians, and yet another was found with a Syrian passport near his body. Ten suspects have since been arrested in Belgium, and Reuters adds that a man arrested in Germany this month may also be linked the the Paris carnage.

The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to CNN, prompting French President Francois Holland to declare the killings an "act of war". World leaders, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens have condemned the attacks in the strongest possible terms.

Several Religious Right organizations and figures have responded to the catastrophe via Twitter. Some offered genuine warmth to Paris, while others used the tragedy as an opportunity to pontificate on gun control.

The tragic events in #Paris serve as a chilling reminder that evil is on the march and must be stopped. The free world needs a Churchill.

— Tony Perkins (@tperkins) November 14, 2015

Our deepest condolences go out to our French allies -- America must stand with our allies against the scourge of radical Islamic terrorism

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) November 14, 2015

My prayers are with the people of Paris, France. America will always have your back in the war against terrorism. Always.

— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) November 13, 2015

Let's pray for Paris. Horrific to see this murderous attack there.

— Russell Moore (@drmoore) November 13, 2015

Paris: another gun-free zone, a human shooting gallery. There were no good guys with guns to stop the bad guys with guns.

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanJFischer) November 14, 2015

FRANCE: "This witness said that the Muslim murderers calmly reloaded their weapons, then began killing again." Gun control? Never in America

— Peter LaBarbera (@PeterLaBarbera) November 14, 2015

Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with the people of Paris at this terrible time #PrayForParis pic.twitter.com/wlzAasHFAs

— GOD TV (@GODTV) November 14, 2015

Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. Break the arm of the wicked man. #prayforparis https://t.co/f7fsW2IpMV

— Denny Burk (@DennyBurk) November 14, 2015

Suicide bombers, calculated and coordinated explosions, targeting innocent people, unconscionable attacks - #IslamicTerror #JustSayIt

— David Benham (@DavidDBenham) November 13, 2015