In brief
In Trappes, a suburb to the southwest of Paris, a lone gunman opened fire from his car, killing one and injuring five others, including a teenager. French President Emmanuel Macron described the incident as a "racist terrorist attack" and a watershed moment for the nation. The attacker, a 39‑year‑old with prior convictions, was arrested at the scene. Authorities are investigating links to extremist ideology and weapon possession. The attack has sparked calls for heightened vigilance and a reassessment of police intelligence protocols.
Deadly shooting near Paris is a 'racist terrorist attack', Macron says
French President Emmanuel Macron has labelled a gun attack in a Parisian suburb which killed one person and injured five others "a racist terrorist attack."
Macron said the incident was "a turning point in the life of our Republic and our nation" – the first time there has ever been a random racial killing in France.
The shooting unfolded over approximately 15 minutes, with the attacker firing from his car first in Trappes and then in nearby La Verrière, apparently targeting people of migrant origin. The suspect was arrested at the scene.
Three of those injured, including a 12‑year‑old girl who sustained eight gunshot wounds, remain in serious condition. The mother of the girl said she had been wearing a headscarf, suggesting the attacker may have targeted her based on appearance.
Visiting the site, Macron urged the public not to give an inch in the face of ideologies that are "taking root" and stressed the need for vigilance against hate-driven violence.
The National Anti‑Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) said the attack appeared to be "murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise," though the exact motive remains unclear.
The suspect, identified in French media as Kevin T, had four prior convictions that had been “automatically expunged.” He was known to police but not to intelligence services, and was not listed as a serious threat to national security.
A local police chief said the suspect used an older‑style semi‑automatic weapon in bursts, an assault rifle dated back to World War Two. The PNAT investigation also covers possession of a Category A weapon and potential conspiracy with a terrorist group to prepare crimes against persons.
