RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Republic of France is America's oldest ally, and the people of the United States owe France an eternal debt of gratitude for our independence and freedom; and
WHEREAS, The people of France have always expressed solidarity with the people of the United States especially after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, On January 7, 2015, armed gunmen violently attacked the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris, killing 13 people and injuring others; and
WHEREAS, Charlie Hebdo, a newspaper known for parodies, printed cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed which prompted the unjustified attack; and
WHEREAS, On January 9, 2015, two suspects were killed after taking hostages at a printing firm; and
WHEREAS, At the same time, another gunman perpetrated an attack at a kosher supermarket taking 19 hostages and killing 4 before being killed in a shootout by police; and
WHEREAS, The attacks have been denounced by the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Security Council and a majority of Muslim nations around the world ; and
WHEREAS, Individuals have united under the banner "Je suis Charlie" ("I am Charlie") to show solidarity with the people of France; and
WH EREAS, The residents of the City of Chicago express deepest condolences to the families of the victims of these attacks and stand united with the residents of Paris in denouncing all terrorist actions; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the Chicago City Council do hereby express our condolences and sympathy to the victims of this terrorist act and stand in solidarity with the people of Paris; and
Edward M. Burke, Alderman, 14th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Francois Hollande, the President of France, Gerard Araud, the French Ambassador to the United States and Vincent Floreani, the Consul General of France in Chicago.