Millions march in France and around the world in support of Charlie Hebdo

January 12, 2015

Following the shootings at the offices of , millions of people turned out yesterday for marches in, in cities across , and around the world. Reported estimates of between 1.5 and 2 million people rallied in Paris, and the French interior ministry estimated 3.7 million or more rallied across France.

44 world leaders attended the Paris march including French President ; Chancellor ;  Prime Minister ;  Prime Minister ;  Prime Minister ; the President of, ;  Prime Minister ; , President of the ; King  and  of ;  Prime Minister ; the  Foreign Minister, ; the  Prime Minister ; and the President of ,.

Ambassador to France attended. White House Spokesman responded to criticism for not sending a higher level representative on behalf of the United States: "It is fair to say we should have sent someone with a higher profile." Earnest said the rally had been planned on Friday and President Obama attending the rally on such short notice presented "significant security challenges". Secretary of State said he already had a prior engagement in.

Charlie Hebdo has previously published cartoons featuring the Islamic prophet Muhammed. These include original depictions and reprints of controversial cartoons originally by Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. Some of these cartoons were on display at the marches.