Hundreds of people gathered outside the Consulate General of France in downtown Chicago Saturday night to mourn the victims of the Paris terror attacks.
Chicagoans created a memorial on Michigan Plaza filled with teddy bears, candles, and signs that read "je suis Paris," and "not afraid," in support of Chicago's sister city.
An attendee who used to live in Paris visited the vigil as a way to cope.
"It's things that happened in neighborhoods where I use to go out, where I used to have drinks. I have friends that were there, that were hiding," said Manuel Ferreira.
Another man who attended the vigil watched part of the attacks unfold on television.
Prathuysh Pinneboyina was watching the France versus Germany soccer game Friday and heard the bomb near the Stade de France explode.
"Times like this we need to show solidarity," said Pinneboyina.
"We're here because we all believe this is what's necessary. We are egalite and fraternite. We are all brothers here today, brothers and sisters," said Eileen Soderstrom, a vigil attendee.
Local
Alliance Francaise has organized a "French in Chicago: Thoughts for Paris" vigil for Sunday at 2 p.m. which will also be held at the Consulate General of France, at 205 N. Michigan Ave.
