Macron Denounces 'Racist Terrorist' Attack Near Paris: 1 Killed, 5 Injured Including 12-Year-Old Child
PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly condemned a deadly shooting spree outside Paris, officially labeling it a "racist terrorist attack." The rampage, which lasted roughly 15 minutes across two suburban towns, left one person dead and five others injured—including a 12-year-old girl.
The French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) has launched a formal terrorism investigation, noting that the victims were systematically targeted based on their race, origin, and religious identity.
Targeted Violence Across Trappes and La Verrière
The incident began on Friday morning in the town of Trappes, located southwest of Paris. The shooter, navigating in a vehicle, opened fire near sensitive community hubs, including a local petrol station, a medical clinic, and a children's playground. He then drove to the adjacent town of La Verrière, continuing his assault before being intercepted and arrested by police.
Mayor of Trappes, Ali Rabeh, stated that the attacker intended to inflict maximum casualties among immigrant populations.
"The perpetrator targeted individuals solely because of their skin color and religion. We are witnessing hate-driven ideologies taking root, and we must stand firm against them."
— President Emmanuel Macron
Among the five hospitalized victims, three remain in critical condition. The mother of the injured 12-year-old girl revealed that her daughter suffered eight bullet wounds and underwent emergency surgery, questioning whether her daughter's headscarf made her an immediate target.
WWII Weaponry and Suspect Details
According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the suspect utilized a World War II-era semi-automatic firearm capable of rapid consecutive firing.
Investigators identified the 39-year-old suspect as Kevin T. While he had prior minor criminal convictions, he was not previously flagged on intelligence watchlists as a radicalized threat. Authorities have also taken a member of the suspect's family into custody for questioning to determine potential motives and accomplices.