Dozens dead in series of terrorist attacks across Paris

Update 6:52 p.m.: The hostage situation inside the Bataclan concert hall is reportedly over following a siege by French police in which at least two attackers were allegedly killed.

Update 6:37 p.m.: French police confirm that at least two explosions were suicide attacks.

Update 5:58 p.m.: French President Francois Hollande has declared a state of emergency and is deploying the military in Paris. He also announced he will close the borders.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Update 5:17 p.m.: Police now say at least 35 people are dead, and roughly 100 people have been taken hostage at Bataclan concert hall.

Update 5:02 p.m.: Police now say the death toll is at least 26.

At least 18 people are reportedly dead in attacks across Paris, Agence France-Presse reports. The wave of violence began when a gunman opened fire with an AK-47 in a Paris restaurant. At around the same time, explosions believed to be grenades were heard near Stade de France, the stadium where the French national team was playing Germany in a football match. President Francois Hollande was evacuated from the stadium. Shots were reportedly also fired at Bataclan concert hall, a popular music venue, and AFP reports that hostages were taken there.

It is so far unclear if there is a connection between the incidents.