Gunman kills one, wounds five in suspected racially motivated rampage outside Paris
A drive-by gunman has killed one person and wounded at least five others, including a 12-year-old girl in what French authorities are treating as a racially motivated terrorist attack.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old French national Kévin T, was arrested by an anti-crime unit following a 15-minute shooting spree across three locations in Paris’ west.
A man has died and five were wounded in the attack. AP Photo/Emma Da Silva
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence as “a racist terror attack,” stating the suspect’s remarks indicated the shootings were premeditated.
“These people were targeted because of their skin colour or perceived religion, and for no other reason,” Macron said after meeting with local leaders and residents in Trappes.
“There is no place for this in France.”
France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office has since taken control of the investigation.
The shootings occurred across Trappes and nearby La Verrière, about 30 kilometres west of central Paris.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the attacker went on a “deadly rampage,” leaving one person dead and five wounded, three of whom remain in critical, life-threatening conditions.
The deceased victim was identified as a 24-year-old French man.
Aurore Bergé, the minister for gender equality and anti-discrimination, confirmed the 12-year-old victim was among those left fighting for life.
A search of the suspect’s vehicle uncovered a Sten-type submachine gun and tear gas canisters.
Investigators subsequently searched his apartment, where they discovered it had been booby-trapped with three gas cylinders and electrical wires wired to a timer.
Forensic investigators search for evidence after the deadly shooting. Associated Press
A member of his immediate family was also taken into custody for questioning.
Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh said the gunman appeared to fire at passersby across several locations, including near a playground.
"This is probably one of the first attempted mass killings motivated by Islamophobia and racism," Rabeh said.
Anti-terror prosecutors have opened a formal criminal inquiry into murder and attempted murder linked to a terrorist enterprise, aggravated by motives concerning the victims' actual or perceived race, ethnicity, or religion.
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