There are various images and stories doing the rounds in social media purpotedly showing scenes from or of the deadly attacks in Paris on Friday night.
The last thing anyone should do or anyone wants is false rumours doing the rounds over social media, which has now become the first place for everyone to get updates and notifications.
Here’s a brief list busting the myth and rationalising some of the events:
Ghost Attacks:
Reuters is reporting a fourth attack at Central Les Halles shopping mall #ParisAttacks
— Sunita Patel (@SunnyNadal) November 13, 2015
Fourth attack: Europe 1 radio reports another shooting in Paris, at central Les Halles shopping mall https://t.co/eTMtep60jR
— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) November 13, 2015
BREAKING from the BBC: #ParisShootings spread to #Louvre and #Pompidou. Terrifying coordinated #attack.
— Jennifer Dale (@jennifer_dale90) November 13, 2015
Though helpful, multiple sounds and reveberations echoing through out Paris most likely gave the impression that an attack was taking place at these places. Unusual police activity observed in those areas was likely in response to the attacks confirmed in neighbouring districts.
Photo At Bataclan Theatre:
This image has been doing the rounds when death metal band, Eagles of Death Metal, were playing on stage when terrorists stormed Friday night
#Paris. The horror. Photo inside the Bataclan before the shooting. pic.twitter.com/irrxZHGcqL
— The Power Of One. (@france7776) November 14, 2015
The reality:
This view never, ever, ever gets old. Taken last night at @olympiatheatre from behind @juliandorio‘s kit. #Dublin pic.twitter.com/ZdUNDwCgf4
— EaglesOfDeathMetal (@EODMofficial) November 11, 2015
Eiffel Tower Goes Dark To Show Solidarity:
City of #Paris turns off the lights at the Eiffel Tower, in memory of the victims pic.twitter.com/VS6UHhVtsR
— Herald de Paris (@HeralddeParis) November 14, 2015
As the attacks continued late into the night, images of a dark Eiffel Tower started to spread, supposedly in tribute to victims. In reality, the tower goes dark every night, and was following its usual schedule.
Empire State Building/ WTC Changes Colour:
Empire State Building & World Trade Center lit up in solidarity with France (pics: @cmclymer / @5SOSReporte) pic.twitter.com/CbuMKXD1Ti
— RT America (@RT_America) November 14, 2015
According to its own Twitter account, the Empire State Building in New York City actually went dark in solidarity on Friday. The colorful images of the building shown likely originated from January, after the Charlie Hebdo attacks.
German-Parisian Show Of Solidarity:
People in Paris taking the streets, coming together and showing they are not afraid. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/N5UsRzzArU
— Anne-Marie ♡ (@AnneMarieIAm) November 14, 2015
Though heart-warming, this image of solidarity march is also likely from the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attack in January. The other image of anti-migrant protesters. #Awkward