Harper angry, saddened by ‘barbaric’ attack on Paris newspaper

In a statement, Harper offers condolences to the families and friends of the 12 people killed in the assault and says Canada stands with France.

Masked gunmen stormed the office of a satirical newspaper today, killing a dozen people before escaping.

On Twitter, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair says he is shocked and disgusted by the mass shooting, calling it senseless violence.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is also condemning the attacks in a tweet of his own, offering support to the people of France, the victims and their families.

French President Francois Hollande is calling the attack on the Charlie Hebdo weekly, whose caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad have frequently drawn condemnation from Muslims, “a terrorist attack without a doubt.”

Harper, too, labelled it an act of terrorism, linking it with Canada’s recent experiences at the hands of attackers with jihadist sympathies.

“This barbaric act – along with recent attacks in Sydney, (Australia), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and Ottawa – is a grim reminder that no country is immune to the types of terrorist attacks we have seen elsewhere around the world,” he said.

“Canada and its allies will not be intimidated and will continue to stand firmly together against terrorists who would threaten the peace, freedom and democracy our countries so dearly value. Canadians stand with France on this dark day.”

The perpetrators must be brought to justice, Harper added.

– With files from The Associated Press