Hundreds Gather in LA to Show Support For France Following Terror Attack

Hundreds of people gathered in Los Angeles to show support for France following Wednesday’s terror attack in Paris.

Students, ex-patriots and supporters of free speech gathered in Los Feliz following the shooting at the offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris that left 12 dead.

Some demonstrators at Wednesday night's event held signs showing the controversial cover featuring a parody image of the Prophet Muhammad that infuriated many Muslims,  while most held signs reading Je Suis Charlie, which translates to "I am Charlie."

The peaceful demonstration followed on the heels of a gathering on Paris' Place de la Republique, where thousands descended holding candles, lights and signs.

One attendee of the LA gathering said the Paris attack is "the 911 of free speech."

Joelle Garriaud-Maylam of the Senate of France paid tribute to those who had attended the event, and underlined the close ties between France and Los Angeles.

"There are 20,000 French people registered at the (French) consulate. More and more French people (are) coming to live in Los Angeles. It's a very strong community," Garriaud-Maylam said.

And she said the French people will not allow the terrorists to dictate 

"There is no fear, violence wont prevail, terrorism wont prevail and democracy will win," Garriaud-Maylam said.

Guillame Serina, founder of LA-based France USA Media, said the gathering was a way for people to deal with the situation.

"Being together tonight with friends or just co-citizens will just probably help us cope, and probably not try to understand, but try to be together," Serina said.

And he said he is confident the western world will stand united in the face of terrorism.

"The US and France have stood together for now 300 years," Serina said.

At noon tomorrow a French national day of mourning will be recognized with a minutes silence at French schools and the French Consulate, with flags flying at half-staff.