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An unidentified man pauses after placing flowers on a make-shift memorial outside the French Consulate in Boston, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015.(Photo: Michael Dwyer, AP)
BOSTON — As scores of people were killed and injured in a flurry of violence across Paris Friday night, Boston — a city that knows such tragedy all too well after the 2013 Marathon Bombings — offered condolences and support for the Parisians.
While flowers were left outside the Consulate of France in downtown Boston Saturday, the French flag was raised next to the American flag at Boston City Hall.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Paris during this time of unspeakable tragedy," Boston Mayor Martin Walsh tweeted Friday night.
Mayor Walsh opened the doors of City Hall for residents to come and sign a condolence book for those injured in the Paris attacks. By Saturday afternoon few people left messages in the book, where one note read: "Prayers from Boston, USA. We stand with you, we pray with you!"
French flag raised next to American flag outside Boston City Hall Saturday<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: Trisha Thadani, USA TODAY)
The official Facebook page for The Boston Marathon offered its sympathy in both French and English:
"To the citizens of Paris and of France, we are with you. What terrible tragedy and sadness. You are our friends. We will be there for you, as you were there for us."
Elsewhere in the U.S., New York City lit up the 408-foot spire of One World Trade Center — built at the site of the 9/11 attacks — in blue, white, and red. The top of the Alfred E. Smith Building and the SUNY System Administration Building in Albany will also be lit French colors over the weekend. After 9/11, Paris laid the American flag outside of the Eiffel Tower, a testament to the relationship that the two countries share with each other.
One World Trade Center's spire is shown lit in French flags colors of white, blue and red in solidarity with France after tonight's terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015 in New York City.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: Daniel Pierce Wright)
"We grieve deeply for the people of Paris, as New Yorkers who have experienced the same pain and loss firsthand in an attempted assault on our values of liberty and equality," Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.
"Yet we are stronger now in our commitment to those values than we have ever been before. Today, we are one – we stand shoulder to shoulder in rejecting extremism, condemning violence, and working to achieve a better and brighter future for all."
As six different locations were taken under siege, bombed, or riddled with gunfire in Paris Friday night, Boston, New York, and several other cities around the U.S. remained vigilant of where the next attack could possibly occur, and increased security in populated areas over the weekend.
In Paris, Airbnb asked hosts to consider making their listing available at little or no cost, particularly for guests that may be struggling to leave the city.
At the Embassy of France in Washington, bouquets of flowers and hand-written signs of support were outside the heavy gates. A small crowd was gathered midday; several were hugging. Police cars were parked nearby.
Balloons, wine bottles, candles and signs in French and English were placed in front of the embassy. Many simply said: Pray for France.
USA TODAY
World landmarks lit to show solidarity with Paris
The crowd of about 30 people was hushed amid the bustle of weekend traffic on the street. A U.S. Secret Service officer stood respectfully back. There were people with toddlers, dogs and bicycles.
They shared one thing: A look of shock and sadness.
"I can't even describe how I feel," Beatriz Molina said. She just moved to D.C. two weeks ago from Paris where she worked at the El Salvador embassy. Her husband is still there but is safe. "It is very, very hard."
Louis Lhermitte arrived from Paris two months ago to work at the World Bank in Washington.
"It is hard to understand," he said shaking his head and reflecting on the horror. "I feel shocked inside. A shock of values, human values we don't understand."
Meanwhile, people on social media continue to offer refuge and shelter to those affected by the attacks.
Parisians launched the hashtag #PorteOuverte — which translates to #OpenDoor — on Twitter Friday night to offer shelter to those stranded or affected by the violence. Following suit, Americans opened their homes to Paris residents who were unable to get back home due to the attacks, and spread the word of their hospitality with the hashtag #StrandedintheUS.
While the death toll climbed above 100, Facebook encouraged Paris-based users to "check in" with its Safety Check feature, which let their Facebook friends know if they were in the area and safe.
And despite warnings to stay indoors Saturday, hundreds of people -- such as 26-year-old Camille Ruiz -- waited in long lines in hospitals around Paris to give blood for those injured in the series of deadly terror attacks.
"It's the only way I can think of to respond," Ruiz told The Telegraph. "To help in a concrete way."
USA TODAY
Parisians wait in long lines to give blood following attacks
Follow USA TODAY reporter Trisha Thadani on Twitter: @TrishaThadani
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