One person was killed and four others were seriously injured Friday morning during shootings in Trappes and La Verriere, in the Yvelines department, west of Paris.
The suspect, who opened fire from a vehicle, was arrested in Coignieres, a neighbouring town, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Reuters, and the Associated Press (AP).
The incidents occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time at three separate locations in the two towns, said French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, as quoted by the AP. According to him, the weapon used appeared to be a military-grade firearm or, at the very least, an automatic weapon.
The mayor of Trappes, Ali Rabeh, told BFMTV that the shooter appeared to have targeted passersby at random.
He also noted that the shooting took place near a playground, the AP reported. Among the injured is a 12-year-old girl, according to Reuters, which adds that the young victim was reportedly shot eight times, according to the French network BFMTV.
The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office has taken over the case and opened an investigation focusing, in particular, on murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise, with the aggravating circumstance of a possible motive linked to the victim’s actual or perceived membership in a specific race, ethnicity, nation, or religion, according to the Associated Press.
Reuters reports that investigators are seeking to determine whether the shooting was a terrorist act or was motivated by racism or religious hatred.
Reuters reports that investigators are trying to determine whether the shooting was a terrorist act or motivated by racism or religion.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his “deep sorrow” following the incident and praised the response of law enforcement, which apprehended the suspect, Reuters reports.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had previously described the incident as “very serious.”
The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting and the suspect’s motives.
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