American Killed in Paris Attacks

A study-abroad student from the U.S. was one of the 120 people killed in the Paris terror attacks.

Nohemi Gonzalez was 23 and a design student at California State University Long Beach. Gonzalez was at a Paris restaurant with fellow students when she was shot and killed, the university said.

She was studying in Paris as part of a semester abroad program.

Hundreds gathered at Long Beach State Sunday to remember Gonzalez.  A memorial and candlelight vigil honored Gonzalez, her work ethic and her kindness.

Memorials were held worldwide, from North America to Europe to the Middle East.

Flags over the American capitol in Washington, D.C. will fly at half-staff until Friday for those killed in Paris. Five thousand people held a silent march in Montreal, Canada.

Lights were turned off at the Eiffel Tower. But a wall of Jerusalem’s Old City was lit in red, white and blue – the colors of the French flag. Similar red, white and blue light displays were seen in Australia, India, Japan, Britain and Germany.

Foreigners from at least 13 countries were killed in the attacks. Many were from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, all Muslim countries. Portugal, Chile, Mexico, Romania, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden said each had citizens who were killed in Paris.

I’m Anna Matteo.

Molly McKitterick and Elizabeth Lee reported on this story for VOANews. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor.