Where Are The Paris Victims From?

On Friday night, one of the worst-ever terrorist attacks within Europe took place in Paris, France — a chaotic night of escalating violence that ultimately ended with at least 129 deaths (many of the victims remain in critical condition). It was a horrible scene, which galvanized a massive outpouring of international sympathy, as well as promises of retribution from French President Francois Hollande, who has stated that France will be "pitiless" and "ruthless" in punishing the crime. But let's also remember to reflect on those lost. For example, where were the Paris victims from?

It's a relevant question for understanding and recognizing the biographies of the scores of people who've died, and it has massive geopolitical implications. After all, as horrifying as it is to see this kind of incident unfold anywhere — whether in European capitals or in African villages — the presence of foreign nationals among the dead means that countries far beyond France lost citizens to the attack.

And while the full list of victims isn't yet known, there have been reports identifying non-French among the dead. Here are some of the countries around the world that lost people in Friday night's bloodshed.

Britain

At least one Brit has been identified among the dead: Nick Alexander, who was working merchandise for the Eagles of Death Metal show at the Bataclan when the attackers descended on the venue. According to ITV, his family offered the following statement on his loss:

It is with huge sorrow that we can confirm that our beloved Nick lost his life at the Bataclan last night. Nick was not just our brother, son and uncle, he was everyone's best friend - generous, funny and fiercely loyal. Nick died doing the job he loved and we take great comfort in knowing how much he was cherished by his friends around the world. Thank you for your thoughts and respect for our family at this difficult time. Peace and light.

United States

One young woman killed in the attack has been identified as 23-year-old Cal State Long Beach student Nohemi Gonzalez, who hailed from the Southern California city of El Monte. As The Los Angeles Times detailed, Gonzalez's boyfriend wrote the following about her on Instagram:

Yesterday I lost the most important person in my life. She was my best friend and she will always be my angel forever. I am lost for words. My prayers are with her family. Such a bright soul and the sweetest girl with a smile on her face.

Belgium

The Belgian government has confirmed that two of their citizens died in the attacks, but there isn't any more information about their identities available publicly yet. This is the situation for a huge number of the victims so far, sadly — many people are still unsure about the condition of their loved ones.

Romania

According to ABC News, the Romanian foreign ministry has confirmed that two of their citizens died in the Paris attacks, and one more was injured. As in the case of the Belgian victims, their names have not yet been reported.

Tunisia

According to the BBC, Tunisia also lost two people, a pair of sisters in their mid-30s. They were reportedly in Paris for a friend's birthday — to this point, they're the only victims from Africa that are publicly known.

Sweden

One Swedish citizen was slain in the attacks — as The Independent reported, the news was confirmed by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfvén, who during a Saturday press conference said, "an attack against Paris is an attack against all of Europe."

Portugal

There was also a 63-year-old Portuguese man slain in the attacks, according to the BBC, although he wasn't on vacation — he was a resident of the city.