French authorities are investigating a deadly shooting west of Paris as a potential terrorist attack after one person was killed and at least five others were wounded. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the incident as a “racist terrorist attack.”
The shootings occurred on Friday, October 23, in Trappes and neighbouring La Verrière, in the Yvelines district. A 39-year-old suspect was arrested shortly afterward after allegedly opening fire from a vehicle at several locations, including a petrol station, a medical centre and a children’s playground.
A 12-year-old girl was among those injured, reportedly suffering eight gunshot wounds. She was initially described as being in serious condition but was later reported to be stable.
Macron expressed solidarity with the victims and their families and thanked police officers for apprehending the suspect. “The nation stands with” the victims, he said.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the incident as a terrorist crime. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office has taken over the investigation to establish the motive.
Investigators are examining whether the victims were targeted because of their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, nationality or religion. Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh called the shooting racist and probably Islamophobic, citing the reported African and North African origins of some victims.
Authorities have not conclusively established the motive, and allegations of racial or religious hatred remain under investigation. Officials said the investigation would examine the suspect’s background, the circumstances surrounding the shootings and any evidence indicating ideological or discriminatory intent. Prosecutors cautioned that the terrorist classification reflected the seriousness of the case and did not yet establish a final motive. Police continued gathering witness statements, reviewing surveillance footage and assessing forensic evidence from the different locations.
The shooting comes amid heightened tensions in France following violent unrest during demonstrations over the cost of living the previous weekend. Authorities have been preparing for further protests, with security measures expected to be reinforced.
