The attack in Nice, France Thursday that left 84 dead and over 200 injured raised concern all over the world, including here in Bakersfield. A local Bakersfield attorney checked in on one of his longtime friends who lives where the attack happened.
H. Dennis Beaver, a local Bakersfield attorney, met Etienne de Planchard decades ago on his first trip to France during law school. Beaver reached out to his friend, who lives only yards away from the location where the attack took place, to make sure he was OK.
"He lives quite literally yards away from where it happened,” Beaver said. “He is one of my best friends in France. He and his wife."
Planchard and his family were going to go out to see the fireworks – only a five minute walk from his apartment where the attack happened -- but decided to stay home.
A Tunisian living in France drove a truck through crowds celebrating Bastille Day on the Nice beachfront, police and hospital officials told the Associated Press. The attack ended after police killed the armed attacker.
The promenade where Planchard usually goes to walk and jog has now been closed for investigation.
"We are told that we must go on living. We won't let the terrorists deprive us of our French love,” Planchard, a retired English and history professor, said.
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