'Like 9/11 All Over Again': N.J. Native Living In Paris Describes Terror Attacks

When Michelle Walbaum left New Jersey to travel in Europe, she never thought of having to relive one of the darkest days in American history on foreign soil.

But when she woke up Saturday in her Paris apartment and learned of the carnage that occurred just minutes down the road, the emotions from more than 14 years ago came rushing back.

Terror organization ISIS has claimed responsibility for the 128 people killed in suicide bombings and shootings Friday night in France’s capital city and hundreds of others who were injured.

Walbaum, an English teacher in the city who left America in April 2013, went to bed early Friday night after sharing some takeout food with her boyfriend, a native of France.

He woke her up at 5 a.m. to tell her about the attacks.

“We went out and saw some shops open, but as we got closer to Le Petit Cambodge restaurant we could see people crying, lighting candles and placing flowers,” Walbaum told Patch. “Roads are blocked off and there’s a heavier police presence.”

She said bullet holes in the building were clearly visible. Multiple reports say a gunman killed two at the restaurant and injured at least seven more.

Walbaum’s parents, still living in Long Valley, spent most of the night trying to contact their daughter via Skype, but to no avail.

“When I woke up I saw all the messages (on Skype),” the former Patch editor and Rutgers University graduate said. “All of my relatives wanted to know if I was OK, if I was alive. It feels like 9/11 – that feeling of unbelief, that whole ‘I can’t believe that happened, it can’t be real.’ But it was real.”

Three days of mourning have been announced by France’s President Francois Hollande, according to The Connexion, an English-language publication designed for Americans living in the European country. In addition, a moment of silence will be observed Monday at midday.

Friday night’s attacks mark the second time this year ISIS has targeted the country, after jihadists infiltrated the offices of the Charlie Hebdo publication in January.

When asked if the mounting attacks played a role in her ongoing residency in Paris, Walbaum hesitated.

“I’ve been asking myself that question all day,” the 28-year-old said. “My mom asked the same thing. I love it here. But right now … I’m just in shock.”

Photo Credit: Morgue File