Editor, cartoonist among 12 dead in terrorist attack

PARIS, France -- On Wednesday, three gunmen opened fire at the offices of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris, killing twelve.

Among the dead are the newspaper's editor, who also works as a cartoonist, Stephane Charbonnie (who is known as "Charb") and well-known cartoonist Jean Cabut (who is known as "Cabu").

The weekly is known for its biting satirical takes on all religions but has faced strong criticism for its depiction of the prophet Muhammad. This is not the first time the paper has come under attack. The offices were firebombed in 2011.

The cartoon's final tweet shortly before the attacks depicted ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi sending New Year's wishes. Another recent cartoon showed an extremist fighter saying "We have until the end of January to present New Year's wishes."

Cartoonist Cabu has been a staple at the newspaper since its inception 50 years ago, reports ABC News. The 76-year-old had a long career working as a cartoonist for Charlie Hebdo and other publications.

The newspaper's editor, Charb (shown above in 2011), has long been outspoken about the importance of freedom of speech, especially following the 2011 bombing.

In 2012 French newspaper Le Monde wrote an in-depth profile on Charb. In it, he describes how important the newspaper and its mission were to him. He told the paper he lived without being afraid of retaliation.

"This might be a little pompous to say," he said in the profile, "but I would rather die standing than live on my knees."

Charb considered the 2011 bombing "an attack against freedom itself" carried out by extremists, he told the BBC, and said that he by no means believed it was indicative of all Muslims in France.

He also spoke to ABC News about the bombings.

"Without freedom of speech, we are dead. We can't live in a country without freedom of speech," he said. "I haven't the time to be afraid. I have a paper to do."

Throughout Wednesday, many French media outlets, French citizens and people around the world posted the message "Je Suis Charlie" (I Am Charlie) to symbolize their solidarity with the paper.