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Nice attack: truck driver named as France mourns 84 killed in Bastille Day atrocity – live Nice attack: truck driver named as France mourns 84 killed in Bastille Day atrocity – live
(35 minutes later)
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Angelique Chrisafis
Hours after the attack, parents were still looking for their children at the hospital in Nice’s Promenade des Anglais on Friday afternoon, my colleague Angelique Chrisafis reports from the city.
The worst thing was the sheer number of children coming in, the nature of their injuries – serious head trauma and broken limbs – and the emotion felt by the children and their families,” said Frederic Sola, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon who worked in the hospital emergency room through the night. “The children were physically very injured but also emotionally very hurt.”
Some relatives were in such shock they were unable to talk. “The psychologists have heard terrible things, there are awful stories that children are telling,” said Stéphanie Simpson, head of the hospital’s communications team.
She said 39 people hit in the attacks had been brought to the children’s emergency department. A total of 30 children were treated at the hospital after the attack – the youngest only a few months old and the oldest was 18. Two children died in the night after being admitted. Several children were still in intensive care on Friday.
Related: ‘Some parents are so shocked they can’t speak’ – Nice children’s hospital treating victims
The emotion on the Fondation Lenval emergency ward was heightened by the fact that the six-storey children’s hospital – with its vast airy atrium, kite mosaic, and teddy bear frescoes on a corridor wall – is located right on the promenade where the attack took place. The suspect, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, had passed the hospital as he set out to drive at high speed into the crowd of Bastille Day revellers.
“It happened so close to the hospital that the emotion is very strong,” said Simpson. She herself had been at the fireworks display with her 10-year-old son and had posted pictures on Facebook of him grinning in front of blue and red fireworks exploding in the sky 20 minutes before the attack.
She left 15 minutes before the lorry struck because she had spotted a drop of rain falling on her phone while she was taking the photos, and felt it was getting a bit chilly. “There were so many families there – children and grandparents – and many of them had been picnicking on the beach,” she said.
#NiceAttack surgical gloves strewn in the gutter, sadly like those on Paris pavement morning after the #Bataclan pic.twitter.com/G6ObJRaRXv
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Barack Obama has ordered the White House and all public buildings and military stations to fly the flag at half-staff in respect of the Nice victims, as people around France plan vigils in mourning of the dead.
The AP reports on those plans, and on families’ efforts to find survivors.
Different parts of France have planned vigils and rallies in mourning at the scores who lost their lives and defiance against the driver who took them.
Avignon mayor Cécile Helle is calling for a large rally Friday in front of the city hall, with other smaller gatherings and vigils planned the same day and over the weekend in towns such as Poitiers, Le Creusot and Pau.
With some people still searching for news of their loved ones after the Nice truck attack, a Facebook site called “SOS Nice” has begun to attract posts from people hoping to be reunited with missing family members.
The site was quickly filling up with photos, appeals and in some cases good news.
#NiceAttack Flowers left on railings along the seafront. A child's note with hearts on it reads 'Nice is my life' pic.twitter.com/ATZAV28j29
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Jason BurkeJason Burke
In 18 months France has suffered attacks on a satirical magazine, the city of Paris, and the promenade at Nice – my colleague Jason Burke tries to answer the question of why France has become the target of so many terror attacks.In 18 months France has suffered attacks on a satirical magazine, the city of Paris, and the promenade at Nice – my colleague Jason Burke tries to answer the question of why France has become the target of so many terror attacks.
One reason is a specific decision by Islamic State to target France. In September 2014, shortly after the beginning of airstrikes by a US-led coalition which includes France, the chief spokesman for Isis, Mohammad al-Adnani, singled out the “spiteful French” among a list of enemies in a speech calling for the group’s sympathisers to launch attacks across the west.One reason is a specific decision by Islamic State to target France. In September 2014, shortly after the beginning of airstrikes by a US-led coalition which includes France, the chief spokesman for Isis, Mohammad al-Adnani, singled out the “spiteful French” among a list of enemies in a speech calling for the group’s sympathisers to launch attacks across the west.
Undoubtedly, the role France has historically assumed as standard bearer of western secular liberalism has put the nation in the spotlight. … Successive governments in Paris have also taken a hard – and much publicised – line on issues such as the wearing of full-body coverings in public and the veil in public places, which has been well noted by Islamic militants. So has the increasingly prominent French military role overseas.Undoubtedly, the role France has historically assumed as standard bearer of western secular liberalism has put the nation in the spotlight. … Successive governments in Paris have also taken a hard – and much publicised – line on issues such as the wearing of full-body coverings in public and the veil in public places, which has been well noted by Islamic militants. So has the increasingly prominent French military role overseas.
Other reasons for the violence are rooted in grave problems within France itself which have made the nation vulnerable.Other reasons for the violence are rooted in grave problems within France itself which have made the nation vulnerable.
Some of these are failings of the fragmented, bureaucratic and still under-resourced security services. A French parliamentary investigation into last year’s terrorist attacks on Paris highlighted a “global failure” of French intelligence and called for the creation of a single, US-style national counter-terrorism agency.Some of these are failings of the fragmented, bureaucratic and still under-resourced security services. A French parliamentary investigation into last year’s terrorist attacks on Paris highlighted a “global failure” of French intelligence and called for the creation of a single, US-style national counter-terrorism agency.
But France’s security also depends on structures at a European level – which have been found wanting repeatedly. Last years’ attacks in Paris and those in Belgium in March highlighted the yawning gap between the capabilities of the continents’ security services and the gravity of the new threat created by the conflict in Syria. Intelligence sharing had not, experts say, kept up with the new dangers posed by freedom of movement within much of the expanded EU.But France’s security also depends on structures at a European level – which have been found wanting repeatedly. Last years’ attacks in Paris and those in Belgium in March highlighted the yawning gap between the capabilities of the continents’ security services and the gravity of the new threat created by the conflict in Syria. Intelligence sharing had not, experts say, kept up with the new dangers posed by freedom of movement within much of the expanded EU.
France has a history of Islamic extremism reaching back decades. The 1990s saw two waves of attacks. One was linked to the bloody civil war between authorities and extremist groups in the former colony of Algeria. A second involved homegrown militants in the north of France who evolved a particular brand of terrorism mixing armed robbery and jihadism.France has a history of Islamic extremism reaching back decades. The 1990s saw two waves of attacks. One was linked to the bloody civil war between authorities and extremist groups in the former colony of Algeria. A second involved homegrown militants in the north of France who evolved a particular brand of terrorism mixing armed robbery and jihadism.
Almost all those involved in violence in France in recent years have had similar profiles – between 18 and 36, often with a record of involvement in petty crime, known to police if not security services, often served jail sentences, from backgrounds which if not poverty-stricken were far from wealthy, and with insecure, temporary or poorly paid jobs.Almost all those involved in violence in France in recent years have had similar profiles – between 18 and 36, often with a record of involvement in petty crime, known to police if not security services, often served jail sentences, from backgrounds which if not poverty-stricken were far from wealthy, and with insecure, temporary or poorly paid jobs.
The “banlieues” or suburbs where many such men grew up or live are often physically and culturally isolated from more wealthy, integrated neighbourhoods. They are certainly very distant from the France of wine and charcuterie, chateaux and cheese. This gap has not been closed by the French policy of “assimilation” rather than multi-cultural integration into the supposedly secular republique, and has, critics say, created fertile ground for polarisation.The “banlieues” or suburbs where many such men grew up or live are often physically and culturally isolated from more wealthy, integrated neighbourhoods. They are certainly very distant from the France of wine and charcuterie, chateaux and cheese. This gap has not been closed by the French policy of “assimilation” rather than multi-cultural integration into the supposedly secular republique, and has, critics say, created fertile ground for polarisation.
For this may be a final reason why Isis has focused on France. The group has been heavily influenced by both millennial thinking which stresses the imminent final battle between the forces of belief and unbelief as well as jihadi strategic thinking which encourages extremists to use violence to destabilise states or nations to allow their eventual conquest.For this may be a final reason why Isis has focused on France. The group has been heavily influenced by both millennial thinking which stresses the imminent final battle between the forces of belief and unbelief as well as jihadi strategic thinking which encourages extremists to use violence to destabilise states or nations to allow their eventual conquest.
Isis thus seeks to terrorise its enemies and mobilise its supporters but above all polarise those communities, which might then turn against one another. In its literature it has specifically pointed to France as where “the Grey Zone” of tolerance and moderation can be usefully targeted and destroyed.Isis thus seeks to terrorise its enemies and mobilise its supporters but above all polarise those communities, which might then turn against one another. In its literature it has specifically pointed to France as where “the Grey Zone” of tolerance and moderation can be usefully targeted and destroyed.
Related: Why does France keep getting attacked?Related: Why does France keep getting attacked?
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The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has written to Sylvie Bermann, the ambassador of France, to express his condolences and reaffirm the party and Britain’s support for the country and the principles of Bastille Day.The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has written to Sylvie Bermann, the ambassador of France, to express his condolences and reaffirm the party and Britain’s support for the country and the principles of Bastille Day.
His letter reads in part:His letter reads in part:
It is with huge sadness that I write to you to express my sincere condolences on behalf of the British Labour Party in the aftermath of the horrific attack that occurred in Nice yesterday evening. …It is with huge sadness that I write to you to express my sincere condolences on behalf of the British Labour Party in the aftermath of the horrific attack that occurred in Nice yesterday evening. …
Those killed yesterday will doubtless have been of different religions, ethnicities and nationalities. It was an attack on us all, attempting to set people against each other. That is why instead, we stand together, now and always, in defense of tolerance, peace and justice.Those killed yesterday will doubtless have been of different religions, ethnicities and nationalities. It was an attack on us all, attempting to set people against each other. That is why instead, we stand together, now and always, in defense of tolerance, peace and justice.
Today and in the coming weeks and months, we and others across the globe, stand in solidarity with you and the people of France.Today and in the coming weeks and months, we and others across the globe, stand in solidarity with you and the people of France.
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What we knowWhat we know
Related: Why does France keep getting attacked?Related: Why does France keep getting attacked?
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Three to four children are between life and death, an intensive care doctor has told my colleague Angelique Chrisafis, who reports from Nice.Three to four children are between life and death, an intensive care doctor has told my colleague Angelique Chrisafis, who reports from Nice.
The doctor told her that the children had suffered “car crash injuries” of serious trauma, broken bones and hemorrhages. One young disabled girl was thrown from her wheelchair during the attack, the surgeon said.The doctor told her that the children had suffered “car crash injuries” of serious trauma, broken bones and hemorrhages. One young disabled girl was thrown from her wheelchair during the attack, the surgeon said.
The doctor added that he was “the children were physically very injured but also emotionally very hurt,” she reports.The doctor added that he was “the children were physically very injured but also emotionally very hurt,” she reports.
#Nice Paediatric surgeon: "Worst thing was the number of kids, injuries - serious head trauma/broken limbs - & emotion felt by the children"#Nice Paediatric surgeon: "Worst thing was the number of kids, injuries - serious head trauma/broken limbs - & emotion felt by the children"
#NiceAttack Boy, 11, thrown to the ground, head injured by lorry, told his grandad: "I'm dreaming, grandad. Am I dreaming?"#NiceAttack Boy, 11, thrown to the ground, head injured by lorry, told his grandad: "I'm dreaming, grandad. Am I dreaming?"
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The sister of a Scottish woman feared missing in Nice with her husband since Thursday night’s attack has said that the pair are safe, my colleague Libby Brooks reports.The sister of a Scottish woman feared missing in Nice with her husband since Thursday night’s attack has said that the pair are safe, my colleague Libby Brooks reports.
Carol Annie Cowan, 27, and her husband Ross, 30, called their family in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, around 9pm last night to report that they had arrived in Nice as part of a camping tour across Europe.Carol Annie Cowan, 27, and her husband Ross, 30, called their family in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, around 9pm last night to report that they had arrived in Nice as part of a camping tour across Europe.
Amy Stanton, Carol Annie’s sister, also from Helensburgh, posted on Facebook earlier today: “Asking everyone I know to pray or do anything you can to put all your positive thoughts and energy in to my sister and her husband being safe and well. If anyone knows anyone that is in Nice that could help could you please let me know.”Amy Stanton, Carol Annie’s sister, also from Helensburgh, posted on Facebook earlier today: “Asking everyone I know to pray or do anything you can to put all your positive thoughts and energy in to my sister and her husband being safe and well. If anyone knows anyone that is in Nice that could help could you please let me know.”
Ross, a tree surgeon, changed his own Facebook profile to the red, white and blue of the French flag following last November’s Paris attacks. Carol Annie is a primary school teacher.Ross, a tree surgeon, changed his own Facebook profile to the red, white and blue of the French flag following last November’s Paris attacks. Carol Annie is a primary school teacher.
Amy Stanton told the Daily Record that the couple’s phones had not been working since the attack, nor had they posted on social media that they were safe.Amy Stanton told the Daily Record that the couple’s phones had not been working since the attack, nor had they posted on social media that they were safe.
“The whole family just desperately want to hear that they are ok. The longer that goes by without them getting in touch, the more worried we are all becoming.”“The whole family just desperately want to hear that they are ok. The longer that goes by without them getting in touch, the more worried we are all becoming.”
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Molins made clear that authorities are still identifying all the victims and trying to reach families – but he added that loved ones can call embassy line to try to learn more.Molins made clear that authorities are still identifying all the victims and trying to reach families – but he added that loved ones can call embassy line to try to learn more.
Ambassador spoke outside the Embassy. Emergency tel. number concerning #NiceAttack is: 00 33 1 43 17 56 46. #Nice https://t.co/hOAY9onk00Ambassador spoke outside the Embassy. Emergency tel. number concerning #NiceAttack is: 00 33 1 43 17 56 46. #Nice https://t.co/hOAY9onk00
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Prosecutor: Bouhlel had violent pastProsecutor: Bouhlel had violent past
The prosecutor says that Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel was known to police and the courts “due to threats, violence and petty theft between 2010 and 2016”.The prosecutor says that Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel was known to police and the courts “due to threats, violence and petty theft between 2010 and 2016”.
He was “detained on the 23rd of March on 2016” and sentenced to six months, for a road rage incident. “There was an altercation between him and another driver and he hurled a wooden pallet at the man,” Urvoas told reporters.He was “detained on the 23rd of March on 2016” and sentenced to six months, for a road rage incident. “There was an altercation between him and another driver and he hurled a wooden pallet at the man,” Urvoas told reporters.
He had also been detained for “voluntary violence with weapon and that was in January 2016”.He had also been detained for “voluntary violence with weapon and that was in January 2016”.
Authorities were “not aware that he had ever shown a sign of radicalization”, he continues. Bouhlel was “totally unknown” to the intelligence services.Authorities were “not aware that he had ever shown a sign of radicalization”, he continues. Bouhlel was “totally unknown” to the intelligence services.
“He arrived alone by bike, [and] this bike was then found alone in the truck. The truck was seen at about 10.30 in Nice before it went to the promenade.”“He arrived alone by bike, [and] this bike was then found alone in the truck. The truck was seen at about 10.30 in Nice before it went to the promenade.”
Police are investigating his residence and found more documents and electronic material there, he adds.Police are investigating his residence and found more documents and electronic material there, he adds.
“These materials are of course being investigated … We must determine whether there were any accomplices … or any links to Islamist terrorist organizations.”“These materials are of course being investigated … We must determine whether there were any accomplices … or any links to Islamist terrorist organizations.”
He notes that there have been no claims of responsibility, though the attack mirrors past terror attacks. He takes no questions.He notes that there have been no claims of responsibility, though the attack mirrors past terror attacks. He takes no questions.
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Prosecutor: gunman's ex-wife detainedProsecutor: gunman's ex-wife detained
“After about 1am this morning we began working and activated an anti-terrorist unit in Paris,” the prosecutor continues. “Four magistrates were deployed to Nice and have been working tirelessly since.”“After about 1am this morning we began working and activated an anti-terrorist unit in Paris,” the prosecutor continues. “Four magistrates were deployed to Nice and have been working tirelessly since.”
He says that investigators “looked at attempts of assassinations and any links to terrorist operations. We looked at organized groups and any links to terrorist groups”.He says that investigators “looked at attempts of assassinations and any links to terrorist operations. We looked at organized groups and any links to terrorist groups”.
He then outlines more details of the attack, saying that the attacker rented the truck on 11 July, and that it “should have been returned on the 13th of July”.He then outlines more details of the attack, saying that the attacker rented the truck on 11 July, and that it “should have been returned on the 13th of July”.
He drove about 2km down the promenade, and fired repeatedly at three policemen when they confronted him near a hotel. Gun shots were exchanged but the truck continued for 300m – the police “eventually found the driver dead in the passenger seat”, the prosecutor says.He drove about 2km down the promenade, and fired repeatedly at three policemen when they confronted him near a hotel. Gun shots were exchanged but the truck continued for 300m – the police “eventually found the driver dead in the passenger seat”, the prosecutor says.
In the cabin was one automatic firearm, a charger, bullets, as well as a second automatic weapon. There were also two fake Kalashnikovs and M16s, also firearms, one grenade, one mobile telephone, and various documents which are still being examined.”In the cabin was one automatic firearm, a charger, bullets, as well as a second automatic weapon. There were also two fake Kalashnikovs and M16s, also firearms, one grenade, one mobile telephone, and various documents which are still being examined.”
He was born on 3 January 1985 in Tunis with residence in Nice, he says. The gunman was “a chaffeur and deliveryman”, and fingerprints have confirmed his identity as Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel.He was born on 3 January 1985 in Tunis with residence in Nice, he says. The gunman was “a chaffeur and deliveryman”, and fingerprints have confirmed his identity as Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel.
“His ex-wife was detained at 11am this morning, and remains in custody.”“His ex-wife was detained at 11am this morning, and remains in custody.”
*This block was amended to note that some of the weapons found inside the vehicle were fake, a clarification of a garbled translation.*This block was amended to note that some of the weapons found inside the vehicle were fake, a clarification of a garbled translation.
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French prosecutor: 52 in critical careFrench prosecutor: 52 in critical care
Prosecutor François Molins is now giving an update on the victims and investigation.Prosecutor François Molins is now giving an update on the victims and investigation.
The death toll remains 84, he says, and “202 people were injured including 52 who are now in critical care”.The death toll remains 84, he says, and “202 people were injured including 52 who are now in critical care”.
“Among these 52 people 25 are still in intensive care,” he adds. He says the numbers are preliminary and they could increase.“Among these 52 people 25 are still in intensive care,” he adds. He says the numbers are preliminary and they could increase.
“The terrorist who drove the truck as you know was shot to prevent him from committing more criminal action.“The terrorist who drove the truck as you know was shot to prevent him from committing more criminal action.
“They have managed to neutralise this person, thus avoiding further victims. I would also like to pay tribute to all state services who were mobilised following this attack.” He thanks doctors and other emergency providers.“They have managed to neutralise this person, thus avoiding further victims. I would also like to pay tribute to all state services who were mobilised following this attack.” He thanks doctors and other emergency providers.
He says that authorities are now in the process of identifying the dead, “which is painful for the families of the victims. “All has been done to activate procedures during the attack.”He says that authorities are now in the process of identifying the dead, “which is painful for the families of the victims. “All has been done to activate procedures during the attack.”
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Barack Obama will address the Nice attack at about 3.15pm ET, according to the White House.Barack Obama will address the Nice attack at about 3.15pm ET, according to the White House.
The US embassy in Paris has meanwhile issued a warning to Americans in France, urging “a high level of vigilance” and “caution at large gatherings”.The US embassy in Paris has meanwhile issued a warning to Americans in France, urging “a high level of vigilance” and “caution at large gatherings”.
American officials “believe the likelihood of terror attacks in Europe will continue as European members of ISIL (Da’esh) return from Syria and Iraq,” the statement continues.American officials “believe the likelihood of terror attacks in Europe will continue as European members of ISIL (Da’esh) return from Syria and Iraq,” the statement continues.
“Additionally, there is a continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis.”“Additionally, there is a continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis.”
We urge US citizens in Nice to contact family members and loved ones to notify them that you are safe, and to monitor local press for updates and guidance from local authorities.We urge US citizens in Nice to contact family members and loved ones to notify them that you are safe, and to monitor local press for updates and guidance from local authorities.
Experience shows that being in large crowds, either indoors or outdoors, may increase your risk. While the Government of France is not specifically restricting public gatherings, the Embassy reminds US citizens that demonstrations and large events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational, or can be seen as targets by terrorists. Avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrationsExperience shows that being in large crowds, either indoors or outdoors, may increase your risk. While the Government of France is not specifically restricting public gatherings, the Embassy reminds US citizens that demonstrations and large events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational, or can be seen as targets by terrorists. Avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations
The French government continues to operate under a state of emergency, which has been extended in the wake of the Nice attack. The state of emergency allows the government to prevent the circulation of individuals and to create zones of protection and security.The French government continues to operate under a state of emergency, which has been extended in the wake of the Nice attack. The state of emergency allows the government to prevent the circulation of individuals and to create zones of protection and security.
There are reinforced security measures throughout France. These allow for house arrest of any person whose activities are deemed dangerous, the closure of theaters and meeting places, the surrender of weapons, and the possibility of administrative house searches.There are reinforced security measures throughout France. These allow for house arrest of any person whose activities are deemed dangerous, the closure of theaters and meeting places, the surrender of weapons, and the possibility of administrative house searches.
The embassy goes on to warn people to “exercise vigilance” in nearly all public venues: transit systems, sporting events and concerts, residential areas, offices, shopping malls, tourist landmarks. You can read the full statement, including contact information for the US embassy in Paris and consulate in Marseille, here.The embassy goes on to warn people to “exercise vigilance” in nearly all public venues: transit systems, sporting events and concerts, residential areas, offices, shopping malls, tourist landmarks. You can read the full statement, including contact information for the US embassy in Paris and consulate in Marseille, here.