One killed in Trappes car shooting

A gunman firing from a moving vehicle killed one person and wounded five others in the Paris suburb of Trappes on Friday. Authorities confirmed the attack was racially motivated and described it as an act of terrorism. President Emmanuel Macron characterized the incident as a premeditated plot, stating that victims were selected based on their skin color or perceived religion.

The suspect opened fire in bursts from his car at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that the assault lasted just under 15 minutes. Five officers from the anti-crime brigade stopped the vehicle and arrested the driver in the nearby town of Coignieres. The weapon used was identified as military-grade or automatic.

Mayor Ali Rabeh of Trappes said the suspect drove through Trappes and the neighboring town of La Verriere while shooting at random. He noted that the gunman targeted people at three locations, including a playground. Rabeh described the casualty count as a miracle and identified the attack as a likely first attempted mass killing driven by Islamophobia and racism. The mayor said the deceased was of African origin, while one critically wounded victim is of North African origin.

Officials initially reported four injured people but later revised the number to five. Three of the victims are in serious condition and face a risk of death. Nicolas Dainville, the mayor of La Verriere, stated that a 12-year-old girl was shot eight times and is currently in stable condition. Residents reported seeing the gray Renault Clio speeding past and hearing loud bangs during the attack.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation for murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office is examining whether the victims were targeted by their real or supposed race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion. Three individuals from the suspect's family and social circle were placed in police custody on Friday evening. The suspect has four prior convictions, all of which have been legally expunged.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu described the case as very serious and confirmed that all security and judicial resources are fully mobilized. Macron said the nation is standing with the victims. The shooting occurred while France faced mass protests over the cost of living and a week of overnight curfews. Students, labor union members, and Yellow Vest activists were expected to demonstrate again on Saturday.

Nuñez announced that approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed across the country. These forces will be supported by elite units guarding public buildings, helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons. Major Paris museums, including the Louvre, will remain closed. Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program due to safety concerns.