The Trappes shooting left one person dead and at least five others wounded, including a 12-year-old girl, after a gunman opened fire from a car in the Paris suburb on Friday in what authorities described as a racially motivated act of terrorism.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned what he called a “racist terror attack,” saying the suspect’s statements indicated premeditation. Victims were targeted for their skin color or perceived religion, he said, adding that such violence has no place in France.
Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh said the alleged shooter fired at random while driving through Trappes and the neighboring town of La Verriere, intending to “cause a bloodbath.” He described the incident as likely one of the first attempted mass killings driven by Islamophobia and racism, and labeled it a terrorist attack with racist overtones.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the attacker used what appeared to be a military-grade or automatic weapon. Rabeh called it a miracle that the toll was not higher.
According to local officials, the gunman targeted passersby at three separate locations, including a playground. Forensic investigators were later seen collecting evidence at a gas station.
The suspect was arrested in the nearby town of Coignieres. Nuñez said the rampage lasted just under 15 minutes and was halted by five officers from an anti-crime brigade.
Authorities initially reported four people wounded. Rabeh later said there were five, including three in very serious condition with life-threatening injuries.
The mayor of La Verriere, Nicolas Dainville, said a 12-year-old girl who was shot eight times was in serious but stable condition.
Rabeh said the person killed was of African origin and that one of the critically wounded was of North African origin.
Nuñez stated the gunman clearly committed a terrorist crime that may have been racially motivated. Prosecutors said they are examining whether the acts targeted the real or supposed race, ethnicity, nationality or religion of the victims.
An investigation for murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise has been opened.
Trappes shooting unfolded in bursts of gunfire
A police source said the attacker fired in bursts from his vehicle around 10:30 a.m. local time. A resident identified as Samy said he saw a body from his window, and his mother reported seeing a gray Renault Clio speeding past and hearing loud bangs.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu wrote that the case was very serious and that all resources of security forces and the judiciary were fully mobilized. Macron said the nation stands with the victims.
Trappes has previously seen tensions, including after a local teacher reported threats following his criticism of the state’s protection of teacher Samuel Paty, who was beheaded in 2020 in another Paris suburb after showing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad.
France on edge after street violence and protests
The attack came as France remained tense after recent riots amid mass protests over the cost of living, which brought some of the worst street violence in years. Demonstrations by students, labor unions and Yellow Vest activists were expected to resume Saturday.
Police have pledged a larger presence to maintain order after a week of overnight curfews. Nuñez said authorities would deploy about 70,000 law enforcement officers and gendarmes, with elite units securing public buildings.
Additional resources, including helicopters, armored vehicles and water cannons, would also be used.
Nuñez said officials would be uncompromising with those involved in violence, looting or vandalism, promising a firm approach to arrests and legal consequences.
Major Paris museums, including the Louvre, planned to close, and Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program due to safety concerns.
Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program due to safety concerns.