Hundreds show up in Washington Square Park in support of France after terrorist attacks

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Hundreds showed up to Washington Square Park on Saturday to support the French after several brutal attacks by terrorists played out on TV this week.

17 victims, including 3 attackers were killed - 12 of whom were murdered by the attackers at a Paris paper for mocking Islam.

"I just kept thinking of 9/11, I was here for 9/11, and it was just sort of the same awful feeling," said dual France resident Kiki Boucher.

Many of the people who showed up are French citizens, like Clara Aowan, who just moved to the United Sates two months ago. Her family is still in France dealing with the terror attacks.

"I saw my Dad praying for the first time in years," says Aowan.

The crowd sang France's national anthem, and also held up pens, pencils and anything to symbolize a writing tool, and the fight for freedom of speech against terrorism.

"Freedom of speech is key," says Christine LaGarde.

French-born LaGarde is the Director of the International Monetary Fund, and has also held several government positions in France. She came to Washington Square Park in support of the victims, and spoke of the importance to not let terrorists interfere with freedom of speech.

"We stand to defend it, and we will not let it be damaged by violence and horror," she adds.