A 39-year-old man was arrested Friday after opening fire from a vehicle in the Paris suburbs of Trappes and La Verriere, killing one person and wounding four others, including a 12-year-old girl shot eight times. French anti-terror prosecutors have opened an investigation into the incident, which occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time.
Immediate response and confirmed details
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described the shooting as a “very serious” case, stating that “all resources of the security forces and the judiciary are fully mobilised.” President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the victims in a post on social media. The suspect, arrested in the nearby town of Coignières, was reportedly firing randomly from a grey Renault Clio, according to local officials.
Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh said the gunman appeared to have wandered aimlessly through multiple neighborhoods, firing at various locations, including a playground. He described the shooter as intent on causing as many casualties as possible. La Verriere Mayor Nicolas Dainville confirmed the 12-year-old girl was in stable condition despite being shot multiple times. Two other victims, aged 29 and 49, were hospitalized with critical injuries.
Investigation and potential motives
French prosecutors are examining the shooting under the classification of “murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise.” They are investigating whether the attack targeted victims based on “real or supposed race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion.” Authorities have not ruled out racial or religious motivations, though the shooter’s exact motive remains unconfirmed.
Local officials and residents described chaotic scenes. Samy, a Trappes resident, told AFP he saw a body on the ground from his window, while his mother reported hearing “loud bangs” as the vehicle sped past. The gunman was reportedly armed with a STEN-type sub-machine gun, according to French newspaper Le Parisien.
Broader context and ongoing tensions
The shooting occurred amid heightened security in France following weekend protests over cost-of-living issues, which saw some of the worst street violence in years. Authorities have pledged a larger police presence for upcoming demonstrations, with overnight curfews already in place in several cities. Trappes has previously experienced social tensions, including riots in 2017.
Emergency services continue to respond, and officials warn the casualty toll may rise as investigations proceed. The investigation is being led by the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office, with support from local law enforcement.