French ex-patriates living in Montreal are shocked by the deadly terror assault that took place Thursday evening in Nice.

At least 84 people were killed when one man deliberately drove a truck two kilometres through crowds aiming to kill as many people as possible.

He has been identified as a 31-year-old French citizen of Tunisian descent who lived in Nice with several misdemeanor convictions but no significant criminal history.

Officials later said he was a Tunisian citizen, despite reports he had never so much as visited that country, and that his ex-wife was in custody.

France has declared three days of national mourning to remember those slain. 

The attack happened as French nationals were celebrating Bastille day, both in France and abroad.

In Montreal, the terrorist attack left Celine Delafond shocked, but not surprised.

"It's another shock, another big thing. I don't know. I think we have to expect more and more things happening like that in France," she said.

France has officially been under a state of emergency for months, ever since the mass murders around the Bataclan nightclub in Paris on Nov. 13, 2015.

Hours before the Nice assault, French President Francois Hollande said the state of emergency would be dropped within weeks. It will now be extended for another three months.

Thursday's attack transformed celebrations as people called friends and relatives on the Azure Coast to ensure they were safe.

"I have friends who were at the fireworks, but I have confirmation that they are well," said one woman from Nice.

Throughout the Union Francaise others shared their grief and shock.

"What happened [Thursday] is absolute horrible. I can't... I have no words to say," said one woman.

The Bastille Day celebrations were quieted for a moment of silence to mourn the dead, and the French Deputy for Canada and the United States greeted the crowds and offered words of hope.

"We sang the Marseillaise together, to send a strong signal that we won't give in to terrorism. We need to be united now more than ever," said Frederic Lefebrve.

Mourning at French Consulate

Overnight and throughout Friday, people came by to leave candles, flowers, and other items in front of the French Consulate in downtown Montreal.

People like Nathalie Novakovic, a French citizen, said they were sad and angry about what took place.

"I am angry because I want to know what have we done to merit such an attack, especially by a father of three," said Novakovic.

"What was going on in his head? He killed adults, but he also killed children. It could have been his children walking on that path."

Quebec's International Relations Minister, Christine St-Pierre, came by the consulate to offer her condolences, both official and personal. 

She laid flowers on the growing shrine, and said Quebecers need to be strong and support their brethren in the face of terrorism.

"Flowers are a symbol of the beauty of the world, and what we have to do today is to talk about the beauty of the world and we have to express our concern about this situation," said St-Pierre.

St-Pierre said Thursday's attack is another sign that Quebecers must act to prevent radicalization.

Meanwhile more mourners are expected to gather at the consulate over the weekend.

A rally is scheduled to take place Saturday at 6 p.m. outside the consulate, located at 1501 McGill College Ave.

Flags lowered

Flags have been lowered to half-mast at Montreal City Hall, and elsewhere in Quebec.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre called the attack shocking, and said that Montrealers believe in the French values of Liberty, Equality and Brotherhood.

He added that the French flag would also be flown in Montreal from the balcony at City Hall.

 

 

During a speech at the Calgary Stampede, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will stand at France's side during this turbulent time.

"We had a terrible attack last night and our hearts go out to the victims and their families," he said. "Canada stands with France as a steadfast ally and we will work with the international community to fight terror to ensure that we live in a peaceful world."

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said the federal government has no information stemming from the attack that would necessitate a change in Canada's terror threat level, which is currently at medium.

Still, Goodale urged Canadians to stay vigilant and alert.

"Canadians can rest assured that when the security and intelligence sector receives credible warnings on a specific threat, they work with the appropriate government partners to ensure the safety of Canadians," he said in a statement.

Premier Philippe Couillard, currently in Munich, expressed his solidarity with the people of France.

"This is a senseless and horrible act," said Couillard.

"Today, think of the victims and their families. Call on that solidarity that links us to the French people. Fight terrorism, and live together in our society."

 

 

The Canadian government has not changed its travel advisories for Canadians visiting France.

Citizens are being told to be cautious because of the threat of terrorism.

Canada's ambassador to France says no Canadians are reported among the casualties of Thursday's attack in Nice.

- With files from The Canadian Press