President Obama promised that the U.S. will provide the government of France whatever assistance is needed. | Getty Obama condemns 'outrageous' attacks in Paris 'This is not just an attack on Paris…but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we all share,' the president said.

President Barack Obama condemned Friday night’s attacks in Paris as an “outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians.”

"This is an attack not just on Paris, it’s an attack not just on the people of France," Obama told reporters at the White House, “but this is an attack on all humanity an the universal values that we share.”


Obama continued, "We stand prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance that the government and the people of France need to respond" to the attacks, which left dozens dead in mulitple locations. About 100 hostages were in custody in a theater, according to the Associated Press and other news reports.

Shortly before Obama’s remarks, the White House announced that he had been briefed by Lisa Monaco, his top counterterrorism adviser. Though he called the attacks an act of terrorism, Obama declined to speculate on who might be responsible.

But Obama vowed to "do whatever it takes to work with the French people and with nations around the world to bring these terrorists to justice, and to go after any terrorist networks that go after our people."



"Obviously those of us here in the United States know what it’s like," Obama said. "Whenever these kinds of attacks happened, we’ve always been able to count on the French people to stand with us."

Obama later spoke by telephone with French President Francois Hollande. A readout of the call provided by the White House said Obama offered "the condolences of the American people for the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris earlier this evening. The President reiterated the United States' steadfast, unwavering support for the people of France, our oldest ally and friend, and reaffirmed the offer of any necessary support to the French investigation. The two leaders pledged to work together, and with nations around the world, to defeat the scourge of terrorism."

Coincidentally, Obama spoke with Hollande earlier on Friday to discuss climate talks slated for next month in Paris.

Late Friday, Hollande announced a state of emergency in France and said borders were being closed.

Hollande said that the terrorists' goal was “to make us afraid, to seize us with fear.” While he acknowledged there was cause to be afraid it was important to note “faced with this fear there is a nation that defends itself and mobilizes itself.”

“I’m asking here for you to maintain your trust in what the security forces can do,” Hollande said, according to a translation of his remarks.

Obama's schedule, released after his remarks on Friday, showed he plans to leave for Turkey as scheduled on Saturday afternoon.

Secretary of State John Kerry said the U.S. embassy was in the process of locating Americans who were abroad.

Obama full remarks on Paris attack

“Our embassy in Paris is making every effort to account for the welfare of American citizens in the city,” Kerry said in a statement. “We stand with the French people tonight, as our peoples have always stood together in our darkest hours. These terrorist attacks will only deepen our shared resolve.”

At the U.S. Capitol Friday night, police said they have enhanced security, though there is no known threat.

The U.S. Capitol Police are monitoring events in Paris as well as getting real-time intelligence updates to maintain awareness of global events. Enhanced patrols throughout the Capitol Campus may be observed, conducted out of an abundance of caution. There is currently no known threat to the Capitol Complex.

U.S. presidential candidates on both sides offered thoughts and prayers, calling the attacks “heartbreaking” “horrifying” and “horrible.”

