On Jan. 7 2015, three gunman stormed into Charlie Hebdo magazine headquarters in Paris, killing at least 12 people.

The victims of the attack were specifically targeted by the gunmen for their work as cartoonists, editors, and writers. Charlie Hebdo is a satirical weekly newspaper and publishes controversial satirical cartoons, sometimes treading the line between being offensive and light-heartedly critical.

Since the attack, a movement sprung up across the world, raising the cry “Je suis Charlie,” or “I am Charlie.” Thousands gathered in public spaces in Paris, clutching pens and raising hands to the sky. At the gathering, some held a sign saying “Not Afraid.” People see this attack as a grander motion against free speech and responded to the violence with even more pictures and discussion worldwide of freedom of speech and press.

Police identified three suspects, one of whom turned himself in later that day. Two days later, the other gunmen were found in a warehouse with a hostage. Both men were killed.

The Spotlight chooses not to publish the assailants names, and instead will honor the names of the victims.

STÉPHANE “CHARB” CHARBONNIER

FREDERIC BOISSEAU

FRANCK BRINSOLARO

JEAN “CABU” CABUT

ELSA CAYAT

PHILIPPE HONORE

BERNARD MARIS

AHMED MERABET

MUSTAPHA OURRAD

MICHEL RENAUD

BERNARD “TIGNOUS” VERLHAC

GEORGES WOLINSKI