False Terrorist Attack Alarm in Paris - Wave of Panic for Firecrackers

Wave of panic for firecrackers, a false terrorist alarm in Paris, at Place de la Republique square. Sunday night sent hundreds of people  at a candlelit vigil for those killed in Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris fleeing for safety. Despite warnings from authorities to avoid public gatherings, for a second night a crowd had gathered at Place de la Republique square to light candles. A sudden wave of panic hit the crowd after, reports say, firecrackers were lit off nearby.

VOA’s Persian Service videographer Ali Kazemy and correspondent Daniel Schearf were there and got swept up in the crowd.



Hundreds of Parisians who had gathered to observe vigils at the Place de la Republique and Carillion Café, one of the places that was attacked, panicked Sunday when sudden noises sent them running.

VOA's Daniel Schearf said he was shooting video footage at the first location where a crowd of about 2,000 had gathered mostly to mourn, although a small group was showing defiance and singing. A scream was heard somewhere at the center of the crowd and as he heard more screams people ran, emptying the square in a matter of moments.

Video by voanews.