Threat of terror attacks on soft targets affecting behavior, mindset of DC residents, tourists

WASHINGTON - Two weeks after the terrorist attacks on so-called soft targets in Paris, residents and tourists in Washington D.C. are back to attending events, but with mixed feelings about their fears of terrorism.

On Friday, France honored the 130 innocent people killed in the ISIS terrorist attacks two weeks ago. Each name of the 130 victims was read aloud inside the Les Invalides monument.

French president Francois Hollande said many of the victims were young people who were just enjoying a mild evening of music, dinner and sports.

ISIS has also said it will attack D.C. and soft targets are the most vulnerable.

"I've decided to go about my business," said D.C. resident Joan Wages. "My heart goes out to them that were harmed and to the families and I think about that often, and at the same time, I think it's all of our responsibility to just keep moving forward in life."

A holiday pop-up market near the Verizon Center on Friday was packed with shoppers.

"I certainly don't walk around looking at every person of Middle Eastern persuasion as a threat," said Brad Fleetwood. "But regardless, you expect that it's possible and likely frankly."

There were lots of tourists outside the White House, but terrorists don't go after these hard targets that are clearly well-protected. The risky places are at public gatherings with no security.

"You always have it in the back of your mind, but you try to move on with life as normal as you can be," said Sean Jackson.

"It's hard to go out in the public and it's in the back of your mind all the time," said Karen Sydnor.

She told us that the recent events have caused her to not go to certain places.

Families with young children lined up on the sidewalk to get into the matinee showing of "Peppa Pig" at the Warner Theater.

"I was actually here on Friday the 13th and it made me a little bit nervous, but I didn't think about it at all today," said John Kjos.

"I do think it's important to get out and live your life and you can't predict what's going to happen," said Courtney Carroccio. "But you just hope that you're not ever in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Americans in our nation's capital were clear-minded overall and aware of the terrorist threat, but they were also determined to enjoy the fun events on the long Thanksgiving weekend.