Trappes Drive-By Kills One

A gunman driving a gray Renault Clio killed one person and wounded five others in the Paris suburb of Trappes on Friday. The shooter fired at passersby from his vehicle for nearly 15 minutes before officers stopped the attack. President Emmanuel Macron described the incident as a premeditated act of racist terrorism.

The shooting began at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. The driver targeted people at three different locations, including a playground. Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh said the suspect drove through the town and neighboring La Verriere while firing randomly. He stated the gunman wanted to cause a bloodbath and called the low casualty count a miracle.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that the suspect used a military-grade or automatic weapon. Five officers from the anti-crime brigade ended the shooting. They arrested the suspect in the nearby town of Coignieres. The victim who died was of African origin. One critically wounded victim is of North African origin. A 12-year-old girl was shot eight times but is in stable condition.

Prosecutors opened an investigation for murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. They are examining whether the victims were targeted based on their real or perceived race, ethnicity, or religion. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office placed three people from the suspect's family and friend circle in custody. The suspect has four prior convictions that were legally erased from his record.

Macron met with officials and residents after the attack. He said the victims were targeted because of their skin color or perceived religion. The prime minister wrote on X that all security and judicial resources are fully mobilized. Nuñez said the nation is standing with the victims.

The attack occurred while France faced ongoing social tension. The country has held mass protests over living costs and implemented overnight curfews. Students and labor unions are scheduled to demonstrate again on Saturday. Nuñez announced that approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed. Elite units, helicopters, and armored vehicles will support the operation.

Major cultural institutions are closing for safety. The Louvre and other major Paris museums will be shut. Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program. Authorities promised an uncompromising response to any violence, looting, or vandalism during the upcoming demonstrations.