Macron calls Paris suburb shooting a racist terror attack
A 39-year-old suspect is charged after a 15-minute spree in Trappes and La Verrière killed one person and injured five others.
By Aiko Petrov ·
French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the fatal shooting in the Paris suburbs a racist terrorist attack.
The violence unfolded over a 15-minute window on Friday. The gunman drove a grey Renault Clio through Trappes, located southwest of Paris. He fired at victims from the vehicle. The attack moved into the neighboring town of La Verrière. Authorities detained the driver on the main road in La Verrière.
The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office announced charges on Friday. Kevin T, 39, faces murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. The office also charged him with conspiracy and possession of a Category A weapon. This category includes military-grade arms and weapons capable of burst fire. Prosecutors noted that T had four prior convictions that were automatically expunged from his record. A member of his immediate family circle was also taken into custody on the same day.
Witnesses described the scene in Trappes. The shooter targeted a petrol station, a medical centre, and a playground. Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh said the gunman fired randomly to cause as many casualties as possible. "He wanted to cause carnage," Rabeh said. A local police chief told BFMTV that the suspect used an older-style semi-automatic weapon. Le Parisien reported that the firearm dated back to World War Two.
One person died in the shooting. Five others were wounded. Three of the injured remain in serious condition. The group includes a 12-year-old girl who suffered eight gunshot wounds. Her mother told broadcaster RTL that the girl needed surgery. The mother said her daughter was wearing a headscarf and was born in Trappes. "How could anyone do this to a child?" she asked.
Macron visited the scene on Friday. He stated that victims were singled out because of their skin colour or religion. He described the event as a turning point for the Republic. The president said France had not previously seen a random racial killing of this kind. He urged the public not to give an inch against ideologies taking root.
The precise motive has not yet been established. Prosecutors continue their investigation into the suspect's background and the specific actions during the 15-minute spree.
