NEW YORK (Web Desk) – French lights lit up the New York night sky as US showed its solidarity with France after the deadly string of bombings and shooting in Paris that left 160 dead.
One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western hemisphere and built on the site of the Twin Towers, destroyed in the 9/11 attacks, lit its giant antenna in red, white and blue, the colours of the national flag of France in a tribute to the country.
Read more: Emergency declared in France after 160 people killed in Paris attacks
The move was directed by New York’ s Governor Andrew Cuomo. Speaking on the incident Cuomo stated:
“We join them in mourning those who were killed, and in praying for those who were injured or lost loved ones. And we continue to stand side by side with them in our commitment to a free and peaceful world.”
“Today, and in the days ahead, New York will light One World Trade Center in blue, white and red as we stand in solemn solidarity with the people of France.”
The New York Police Department said its intelligence division was “conducting liaison activities to assist the Paris police in any way possible.”
The National Basketball Association also called on US arenas to go on heightened alert and enlist law enforcement for intelligence support.
“We do not have reason to believe the events in Paris are related to NBA, however, we cannot be too careful in ensuring we are taking proactive measures,” it said in a statement.
The Stade de France stadium, where France were playing Germany in an international football match, was one of the targets in the string of attacks, where at least five people were killed in explosions.
Also read: Obama, UN condemn killing of 160 people in Paris
Obama spoke to French President Francois Hollande by telephone earlier on Friday to discuss his upcoming visit to Paris for climate change talks.
Obama said he had not immediately contacted Hollande again because the French president was busy responding to the crisis.
