One person has been killed and four others injured after a gunman opened fire at multiple locations in Trappes and neighbouring La Verrière, west of Paris, on Friday morning.
The attacker reportedly used a machine gun to shoot at people in several neighbourhoods, including a playground, at around 10.30am on October 23.
Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes, said the gunman appeared intent on causing as many casualties as possible, describing the incident as an attempt to inflict widespread harm.
“It is a miracle that there were not more victims,” Mr Rabeh said, adding that the suspect appeared to have wanted to cause carnage.
Twelve-Year-Old Girl Shot Eight Times
Four people were wounded in the shooting, including a 12-year-old girl who was reportedly shot eight times.
Nicolas Dainville, the mayor of La Verrière, said the girl had suffered serious injuries but was in a stable condition.
Two other victims, men aged 29 and 49, were taken to separate hospitals for treatment.
The man who died was reported by French media to be 26 years old.
Mr Rabeh said the deceased victim was of African origin, while one of those critically injured was of North African origin.
Local officials warned that the situation remained unstable and that the death toll could rise.
Suspect Arrested Less Than Ten Minutes After Emergency Calls
The suspected gunman was arrested in a car park in nearby Coignières shortly after the first emergency calls were received.
French media reported that the 39-year-old suspect, identified as Kevin T. from Plaisir, was driving a grey Renault Clio when he was apprehended.
According to Le Parisien, he fired a Second World War-era STEN-type submachine gun from a vehicle as he moved between locations.
The suspect was reportedly known to police because of previous offences, although subsequent reports said he was not on the radar of intelligence services.
Police have not established a motive for the attack.
Reports describing the suspect’s appearance said he had a shaved head and was wearing a blue jumper and jeans.
Anti-Terrorism Prosecutors Investigate Possible Racist Motive
France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office has taken charge of the investigation, treating the shooting as a suspected terrorist attack.
Investigators are examining whether the victims were targeted because of their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, nationality or religion.
A preliminary investigation has been opened into suspected murder and attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise.
Authorities are also examining potential charges involving the possession of a Category A weapon and participation in a terrorist conspiracy aimed at preparing crimes.
The investigation is intended to establish the circumstances of the shooting and determine whether the attack was ideologically or racially motivated.
Police Search Suspect’s Home as Bomb Squad Joins Investigation
French police have begun searching the suspect’s home, with elite officers and a bomb squad deployed to the property.
Local media reported that gas had been left on inside the residence.
Authorities have cordoned off the petrol station in Trappes where the shooting took place, while investigators examine the scene and gather evidence.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said he was travelling to the area following the incident.
“It looks like a murderous rampage; we don’t know the motives,” he said.
Macron and French Political Leaders Respond
President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences to the victims and their families following news of the shooting.
“Deep emotion following the shooting attack that occurred in Trappes and La Verrière.
One person has died. Several others are seriously injured,” he said.
“Our thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and all the residents of Yvelines.
In this terrible ordeal, the Nation stands by their side.”
Mr Macron also praised law enforcement officers for arresting the suspect and confirmed that the national anti-terrorism prosecutor had taken charge of the case.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said security forces and judicial authorities had mobilised all available resources in response to the incident.
He added that the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office was monitoring the situation.
Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region, said the two towns had been struck by an attacker who was quickly apprehended.
She praised the police response and called for the circumstances of the tragedy to be established, while expressing sympathy for the victims, their families and residents.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party, described the shooting as a barbaric act and called for the suspect’s motives to be determined and those responsible to face severe punishment.
Trappes Mayor Announces Support for Victims
Mr Rabeh offered his condolences to the family and loved ones of the person killed and expressed support for those injured.
He also praised the work of law enforcement officers and emergency responders, saying the municipality remained in close contact with the relevant authorities.
The mayor announced that a psychological support unit would be established within hours to assist people affected by the shooting.
A woman living in Trappes told local media she was struggling to understand how such violence could occur close to her home.
“I don’t understand. You can’t imagine something like this happening right outside your door. How could anyone do that?” she said.
Shooting Comes Ahead of Planned Cost-of-Living Protests
The attack occurred as France prepared for another day of protests against the rising cost of living on Saturday.
Authorities have been preparing additional security measures, including the closure of major museums and the deployment of a larger security presence, following violent unrest the previous week.
France has experienced several major Islamist attacks, including the November 2015 attacks in Paris, in which 130 people were killed.
In 2020, Samuel Paty, a teacher in a Paris suburb, was beheaded by a radical Islamist after showing his class caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed.
Trappes has also experienced tensions linked to the aftermath of Paty’s killing.
A teacher in the town previously reported receiving threats after writing that the state had not done enough to protect him.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the latest shooting is connected to any previous incidents or extremist activity.
The investigation remains focused on identifying the suspect’s motive and establishing the full circumstances of the attack.
