As the political situation in the country worsens following the assassination of the president , Paul and his family observe neighbors being killed , initiating the early stages of the genocide . Paul curries favour with people of influence , bribing them with money and alcohol , seeking to maintain sufficient influence to keep his family safe . When civil war erupts and a Rwandan Army officer threatens Paul and his neighbours , Paul barely negotiates their safety and brings them to the hotel . Upon returning with them , he finds his receptionist Gregoire occupying the Presidential suite threatening to rat them out if he is put back to work
assassination of the president
Assassination of Juvénal Habyarimana and Cyprien Ntaryamira
Hotel Rwanda