Obama and others react to the Charlie Hebdo shootings

This is what President Obama and other leaders had to say.

Barack Obama: “I strongly condemn the horrific shooting at the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris that has reportedly killed 12 people. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrorist attack and the people of France at this difficult time. France is America’s oldest ally, and has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the fight against terrorists who threaten our shared security and the world. Time and again, the French people have stood up for the universal values that generations of our people have defended. France, and the great city of Paris where this outrageous attack took place, offer the world a timeless example that will endure well beyond the hateful vision of these killers. We are in touch with French officials and I have directed my Administration to provide any assistance needed to help bring these terrorists to justice.”

Queen Elizabeth II: “Prince Philip and I send our sincere condolences to the families of those who have been killed and to those who have been injured in the attack in Paris this morning. We send our thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected.”

US Secretary of State John Kerry: “The pen is an instrument of freedom, not fear. We stand with you [France] in solidarity and in commitment, both in the cause of confronting extremism and in the cause which the extremists fear so much and which has always united our two countries – freedom. Free expression and a free press are core values... principles that can be attacked but never eradicated.”

François Hollande, President of France (translated): “No barbaric act will ever extinguish the freedom of the press. We are a united country that will react as one.”

David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom: “The murders in Paris are sickening. We stand with the French people in the fight against terror and defending the freedom of the press.”

Jean-Claude Junker, President of the European Commission (translated): “I am deeply shocked by the brutal and inhuman attack that hit the offices of Charlie Hebdo. This is an intolerable act, a barbarism that concerns us all as human beings and Europeans. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I express in my own behalf and on behalf of the European Commission, our greatest solidarity with France.”

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott: “The government condemns the atrocity in Paris overnight. The thoughts of all Australians are with the families of those who have lost their lives in this barbaric act. Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of a free society. Australia stands with the people and the government of France at this difficult time.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: “This horrific attack is meant to divide. We must not fall into that trap.This is a moment for solidarity around the world. We must stand strong for freedom of expression and tolerance and stand against the forces of division and hate.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel: “This abominable act is not only an attack on the lives of French citizens and their security," she said in a statement. It is also an attack on freedom of speech and the press, core elements of our free democratic culture. In no way can this be justified.”