Macron mobilizes 70,000 officers after Trappes car shooting kills one
A gunman fired from a gray Renault Clio for 15 minutes, wounding five people including a child, before police arrested him in Coignieres.
By David Almasi ·
Residents of Trappes and La Verriere watched from windows and doorways as a gray Renault Clio sped through their streets on Friday morning. Samy, a local resident, described seeing a body lying on the ground from his window. His mother heard loud bangs as the car passed. The violence ended when five officers from the anti-crime brigade stopped the shooter in the nearby town of Coignieres.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that the attack lasted just under 15 minutes. He confirmed the weapon was military-grade or automatic. The suspect fired in bursts from the vehicle starting at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. Forensic investigators examined evidence at a gas station in the area.
President Emmanuel Macron labeled the event a racist terror attack. He noted that the suspect's statements indicated premeditation. Macron said the victims were targeted because of their skin color or perceived religion. Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh described the gunman as firing at random to cause a bloodbath. He identified three specific target locations, including a playground. Rabeh called the low death toll a miracle.
The initial count listed four wounded, but Rabeh later revised that number to five. Three victims are critically injured. Nicolas Dainville, the mayor of La Verriere, reported that a 12-year-old girl was shot eight times. She remains in stable condition. Rabeh said the one person killed is of African origin. One critically wounded victim is of North African origin.
Prosecutors opened an investigation for murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. They are examining whether the attacks targeted the real or supposed race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion of the victims. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office placed three members of the suspect's family and friend circle into police custody on Friday evening. The suspect has four prior convictions, all of which are legally expunged. He has not been publicly identified.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated that all security and judicial resources are fully mobilized. Macron said the nation is standing with the victims. The deployment of 70,000 police officers and gendarmes occurs while France faces mass protests over cost of living. Students and labor union members are expected to demonstrate on Saturday.
Major Paris museums, including the Louvre, will close for the weekend. Art Basel Paris canceled its program due to safety concerns. Nuñez promised an absolutely uncompromising response to violence, looting, or vandalism. Elite units will guard public buildings, supported by helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons.
