Macron condemns racist terrorist attack after Paris shootings leave one dead

Gunfire across two towns

The attacks unfolded over roughly 15 minutes at three locations in Trappes and La Verrière, around 30 kilometers from Paris. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the gunman fired from a vehicle.

The victim who died was a French man born in 2000, according to the prosecutor’s office. At least five people were wounded, among them a 12-year-old girl whom Minister Aurore Bergé described as very seriously injured.

Suspect and investigation

Police arrested the suspect less than 20 minutes after the first shots. Authorities identified him as Kévin T., born in 1987, but did not release his surname. Investigators said a search of his car uncovered a Sten-type submachine gun and tear gas canister. His apartment had been rigged with three gas cylinders and wires connected to a timer, prosecutors said; a close family member was also detained.

Authorities address motive

Macron said the victims had been singled out because of their skin color or perceived religion. Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh said the gunman appeared to shoot at passersby, including near a playground, and suggested apparent African origin may have influenced whom he targeted.

Prosecutors opened a criminal investigation that includes murder linked to a terrorist enterprise, with an aggravating factor involving a victim’s actual or perceived race, ethnic group, nationality, or religion. Nuñez praised five anti-crime brigade officers for stopping the suspect quickly.

Protests and public safety

The shootings came as France prepared for another day of protests over the cost of living on Saturday. Major museums were set to close, and the government planned a larger security deployment.

The heightened precautions followed violent unrest the previous week that had shocked the country. Authorities did not say whether the planned protests were connected to the shootings.