*This post has been updated on November 14, 2015 at 9:30am EST. This is a developing story, please check back for updates.

Violence has struck Paris. At latest report, the death toll has been set at 127.  The Islamic State has formally taken credit for the attack, saying it sent militants strapped with suicide bombing belts and carrying machine guns to locations across Paris.

The death toll of 127 is lower than reports that emerged during the heat of the violence. Hospitals are estimating that 300 people have been injured, with eighty in critical condition.

The city, and the world have been shaken by what French President Francois Hollande is calling an “act of war.”

President Hollande said the attacks, “organized and planned from outside” the country, were carried out by eight gunman and suicide bombers.

France will observe three days of national mourning.

The violence occurred near popular cafes and bars, as well as outside a football stadium where the French President was watching a match between France and Germany. The largest death toll occurred during a hostage situation at the Bataclan arts center. 

"Several armed men came into the concert. Two or three men, not wearing masks, came in with what looked like Kalashnikovs and fired blindly on the crowd.

"It lasted between 10 and 15 minutes. It was extremely violent and there was panic. The attackers had enough time to reload at least three times. They were very young."

US President Barack Obama spoke to the media as events were still unfolding on the ground in Paris.

"Once again we've seen an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians. This is an attack not just on Paris, it's an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share."

French President Francois Hollande announced the closure of the country’s borders, promising that all possible forces will be mobilized to secure the areas of violence in Paris. Read President Hollande’s full statement here:

Security is paramount for a free and prosperous life for all. In this time of violence, the global community stands with Paris, hoping for a swift end to the violence.

Here is a selection of the most recent events as covered on Twitter:

Global Citizen's thoughts are with the people of Paris.

TopicsCitizenshipParis

Editorial

Demand Equity

Violence strikes Paris

By Brandon Blackburn-Dwyer