Gunman kills one in Paris suburb shooting

Residents of Trappes and neighboring La Verriere faced a shooting spree on Friday morning that left one person dead and five others injured. The attack, which lasted just under 15 minutes, was characterized by President Emmanuel Macron as a racist terror attack. He stated that the victims were targeted because of their skin color or perceived religion.

A police source told Agence France-Presse that the suspect fired in bursts from a vehicle at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that the weapon appeared to be military-grade or automatic. Five officers from the anti-crime brigade ended the attack, and the suspect was arrested in the nearby town of Coignieres. The gunman was not publicly identified at the time of the arrest.

Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh told BFMTV that the suspect drove through the areas firing at random with the intent to cause a bloodbath. He noted that the shooter targeted passersby at three locations, including a playground. Rabeh described the event as likely one of the first attempted mass killings motivated by Islamophobia and racism. He called it a miracle that the casualty count was not higher.

The victim killed was of African origin according to Rabeh. One of the critically wounded victims is of North African origin. The mayor of La Verriere, Nicolas Dainville, told AFP that a 12-year-old girl was shot eight times and remained in stable condition. Three of the five wounded were described as very seriously hurt and in danger of dying.

Samy, a resident of Trappes, said he saw a body on the ground from his window. His mother witnessed a gray Renault Clio speeding past and heard loud bangs. Forensic investigators examined evidence at a gas station in the area. Prosecutors opened an investigation for murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. They are examining whether the attack targeted the real or supposed race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion of the victims.

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office placed three individuals from the suspect's family and circle of friends in police custody Friday evening and overnight. The office stated the suspect has four prior convictions, all of which are legally expunged. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu wrote on X that all resources of the security forces and the judiciary are fully mobilized.

The shooting occurred while France faces ongoing protests over the cost of living. Students, labor union members, and Yellow Vest activists were expected to demonstrate again on Saturday. Nuñez said about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed, backed by elite units, helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons. Major Paris museums, including the Louvre, closed, and Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program.