The words no one wants to hear: terrorist attack. Paris was the latest location of an act of terror on Friday with a series of coordinated bombings and the hostage takeover of the Bataclan concert hall. At least one of the bombings appeared to be a suicide bombing.

It is not yet known who is responsible for the attacks. At the time this editorial was written, CNN was reporting at least 43 dead and that police were working to free an estimated 100 hostages.

Terrorism around the globe is gaining momentum and one has to wonder if the U.S. will offer aid to Paris during this tragic time. The United States is a nation that knows first hand the effects of terrorism.

Seeing that there is not a solution for stopping extremists, all we can do is offer our condolences for the lives lost, prayers for the victims and their families and hope that one day we can put an end to terrorism.

If attacks such as the World Trade Center and the attack in Paris can happen so quickly by just a small few, it’s clear that this can happen at anytime, anywhere.

There is no way to know the motives for such senseless attacks on defenseless, unexpecting citizens. Suicide bombings are a cowardice act and unfortunately, there is no way to prepare for one.

It may be days before officials are able release an accurate count of wounded, killed and who orchestrated the attack.

Hundreds of people fell victim to tragedy today. May this serve as reminder that life is short. We don’t know what may come tomorrow, or even in the next five minutes.