A gunman opened fire from a vehicle yesterday in the streets of Trappes, a working-class suburb west of Paris, killing one person and wounding four others, including a 12-year-old girl, French authorities said. The suspect, a 39-year-old man, was arrested shortly after the shooting in the nearby town of Coignieres.
The attack occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time across various locations in Trappes and the neighboring town of La Verriere. The gunman fired bursts from his car at people at a playground, petrol station, and other public areas, according to local officials. The injured were reported to be in critical condition, with the youngest victim, the 12-year-old girl, shot multiple times but stabilizing in hospital.
French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the incident as a murder linked to a terrorist enterprise, including a potential racial or religious motivation. Authorities reported finding the suspect in possession of a submachine gun and tear-gas grenades. Additionally, anti-terrorism investigators revealed the assailant’s apartment had been booby-trapped with gas canisters and an electric timer, raising concerns about the risk of further attacks.
Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh described the shooting as “objectively a racist, probably Islamophobic attack,” noting that the victim who died was of African origin and at least one person critically injured was of North African descent. He described the assailant as firing sporadically from his vehicle with the intent to cause widespread harm. Rabeh called for national unity and denounced political rhetoric that vilifies Arabs and Muslims, warning such language contributes to real-world violence.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Trappes and condemned the attack as a “racist terrorist attack,” emphasizing the nation’s solidarity with the victims. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu described the situation as “very serious” and affirmed that all security and judicial resources were fully mobilized. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who traveled to the affected areas, referred to the shooting as “clearly a terrorist crime.”
The incident has occurred amid heightened tensions in France following recent unrest linked to protests over the cost of living, which escalated into riots and looting in several cities. Authorities have deployed increased security forces nationwide ahead of planned further demonstrations this weekend.
Trappes, with a population of around 35,000 and a significant proportion of residents of foreign background, has been the focus of political debate due to its association with past radicalization and departures of some locals to join jihadist groups in Syria and Iraq. The town’s status has been a frequent point of contention between political parties.
The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors examining the motives behind the attack, including whether it was driven by racist or religious hatred. Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities as they continue questioning the suspect and analyzing gathered evidence.