Scars from 2015 Paris stadium bombing still wound victims
Victims of the November 2015 terror attacks on Paris have begun testifying about the night that left 130 dead and dozens wounded
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Victims of the November 2015 terror attacks on Paris began testifying Tuesday about the night that left 130 dead and dozens more wounded, and the scars it has left among the first to witness the bloodshed that night.
Testimony started with the patrol of mounted gendarmes who witnessed the first two suicide bombings at the French national soccer stadium. The gendarmes, who numbered 13 that night, were working crowd control outside the stadium for the France-Germany match and absorbed the shockwaves from those explosions. Many went home that night with flesh and debris embedded in their uniforms.
Fourteen people are on trial in Paris, including the only surviving member of the Islamic State group cell that attacked the city on Nov. 13, 2015. Another six people are being tried in absentia.
One man died in the triple suicide bombings at the stadium.
Philippe was among several gendarmes overcome by emotion as they testified. Court rules don't allow the full use of officers' names.
“Gendarmes, police, firefighters, we’re all trained to respond. It’s our job,” he testified. “This evening, what struck me is that we were at the explosion. We had to absorb the shock, understand what was happening and improvise until our normal reflexes kicked in.”
His commander, Jonathan, said he fought his commanding officers for months to get psychological support for the 12 mounted men and women.
“I was alone, facing the unknown and the incomprehension of my direct supervisors,” he testified. “We are gendarmes, we are trained for this. When I see the state this put us into, then I can imagine what it must have done to the victims and their families.”
Victims testimony is due to last five weeks, and the trial is scheduled to last nine months.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.