Positivity, solidarity across U.S. after Paris attacks

Trisha Thadani | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption World Stands by Paris by Representing French Flag in World Landmarks Cities around the world lit up in the colors of the French flag on Friday to show their support and solidarity with those affected by the terrorist attacks in Paris.

BOSTON — As scores of people were killed and injured in a flurry of violence across Paris Friday night, Boston — a city that knows such tragedy all too well after the 2013 Marathon Bombings — offered condolences and support for the Parisians.

While flowers were left outside the Consulate of France in downtown Boston Saturday, the French flag was raised next to the American flag at Boston City Hall.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Paris during this time of unspeakable tragedy," Boston Mayor Martin Walsh tweeted Friday night.

Walsh opened the doors of City Hall for residents to come and sign a condolence book for those injured in the Paris attacks. By Saturday afternoon few people left messages in the book, where one note read: "Prayers from Boston, USA. We stand with you, we pray with you!"

The official Facebook page for The Boston Marathon offered its sympathy in both French and English:

"To the citizens of Paris and of France, we are with you. What terrible tragedy and sadness. You are our friends. We will be there for you, as you were there for us."

Elsewhere in the U.S., New York City lit up the 408-foot spire of One World Trade Center — built at the site of the 9/11 attacks — in blue, white, and red. The top of the Alfred E. Smith Building and the SUNY System Administration Building in Albany will also be lit French colors over the weekend. After 9/11, Paris laid the American flag outside of the Eiffel Tower, a testament to the relationship that the two countries share with each other.

"We grieve deeply for the people of Paris, as New Yorkers who have experienced the same pain and loss firsthand in an attempted assault on our values of liberty and equality," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.

"Yet we are stronger now in our commitment to those values than we have ever been before. Today, we are one – we stand shoulder to shoulder in rejecting extremism, condemning violence, and working to achieve a better and brighter future for all."

At Washington Square Park in Manhattan, thousands of people gathered to lay candles and flowers under the arch, using chalk to paint the sidewalk in the colors of the French flag.

Pierre Platz of Harrison, N.Y., brought his wife and four children to the Saturday afternoon vigil to see the support for his native France in the wake of the brutal attack.

"It is important for us and for them to feel the strong feeling that we have together," Platz said. "And they have to remember that they were here today.

"The times are very difficult. Unfortunately, we know it's not the first time (for a terror attack) and maybe it's not the last one."

Mayor Bill de Blasio addressed the crowd, saying New Yorkers will notice a higher police presence throughout the city, especially at high risk sites — but he implored people to carry on with their normal lives.

"Every citizen has a role in keeping us safe," he said. "My advice would be to stay strong and continue, as much as possible, life as usual."

As six different locations in Paris were taken under siege, bombed, or riddled with gunfire Friday night, Boston, New York, and several other cities around the U.S. remained vigilant of where the next attack could possibly occur, and increased security in populated areas over the weekend.

In Paris, Airbnb asked hosts to consider making their listing available at little or no cost, particularly for guests that may be struggling to leave the city.

At the Embassy of France in Washington, bouquets of flowers and hand-written signs of support were outside the heavy gates. A small crowd was gathered midday; several were hugging. Police cars were parked nearby.

Balloons, wine bottles, candles and signs in French and English were placed in front of the embassy. Many simply said: Pray for France.

The crowd of about 30 people was hushed amid the bustle of weekend traffic on the street. A U.S. Secret Service officer stood respectfully back. There were people with toddlers, dogs and bicycles.

They shared one thing: A look of shock and sadness.

"I can't even describe how I feel," Beatriz Molina said. She just moved to D.C. two weeks ago from Paris where she worked at the El Salvador embassy. Her husband is still there but is safe. "It is very, very hard."

Louis Lhermitte arrived from Paris two months ago to work at the World Bank in Washington.

"It is hard to understand," he said shaking his head and reflecting on the horror. "I feel shocked inside. A shock of values, human values we don't understand."

In Indianapolis, more than 50 people gathered in Monument Circle. Jean Minka, president of the Alliance Française d'Indianapolis, organized the rally to demonstrate unity with the French nation. He said the terrorists hope to divide people with attacks like these and that the world must not let that happen.

"What happened last night had the objective to create despair and fear, but it will have the opposite effect," Minka said as people exchanged tissues. "We are united more than ever and we ask the rest of the world to join us because this is not an action only on Paris or against France. This is an action against the world, against peace, against freedom."

In Detroit, a prayer vigil was held at Ste. Anne de Detroit, the Catholic parish born when French settlers founded the city in 1701.

Meanwhile, people on social media continue to offer refuge and shelter to those affected by the attacks.

Parisians launched the hashtag #PorteOuverte — which translates to #OpenDoor — on Twitter Friday night to offer shelter to those stranded or affected by the violence. Following suit, Americans opened their homes to Paris residents who were unable to get back home due to the attacks, and spread the word of their hospitality with the hashtag #StrandedintheUS.

French family living 45mn from Los Angeles downtown more than happy to open our doors to a family #strandedintheUS today. Just DM me. — Yann Motte (@ymotte) November 14, 2015

If you are visiting #Portland #Oregon and cannot fly into #France, we have a safe place and are happy to help. #strandedintheus — GeneralDisarray™ (@Drink_Mixxer) November 14, 2015

If you are #strandedintheus due to closure of travel to France and near LAX, we have room in our home. Reach out. — Katherine Nilbrink (@yourlifetrekk) November 14, 2015

While the death toll climbed above 100, Facebook encouraged Paris-based users to "check in" with its Safety Check feature, which let their Facebook friends know if they were in the area and safe.

And despite warnings to stay indoors Saturday, hundreds of people -- such as 26-year-old Camille Ruiz -- waited in long lines in hospitals around Paris to give blood for those injured in the series of deadly terror attacks.

"It's the only way I can think of to respond," Ruiz told The Telegraph. "To help in a concrete way."

Follow USA TODAY reporter Trisha Thadani on Twitter: @TrishaThadani; Contributing: Susan Miller and Cara Richardson of USA TODAY; Michael D'Onofrio of The (Westchester County, N.Y.) Journal News; Ellen Garrison, The Indianapolis Star; Patricia Montemurri, Detroit Free Press;