Macron brands Trappes car shooting a racist terror plot after one killed

France entered a state of heightened security on Friday after a gunman killed one person and wounded five others in the Paris suburb of Trappes.

President Emmanuel Macron labeled the incident a racist terror attack following a meeting with local officials and residents. He stated that the victims were targeted because of their skin color or perceived religion. "There is no place for this in France," the President added, noting that the suspect's statements indicated premeditation.

The shooting began at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time when the driver of a gray Renault Clio began firing bursts from the vehicle. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that the weapon was military-grade or automatic. The attack spanned Trappes and the neighboring town of La Verriere, lasting just under 15 minutes before five officers from the anti-crime brigade stopped the suspect in Coignieres.

Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh told BFMTV that the driver was firing at random with the intent to cause a bloodbath. He identified three specific locations where passersby were targeted, including a playground. Rabeh described the attack as potentially one of the first attempted mass killings motivated by Islamophobia and racism. He reported that one victim, a 12-year-old girl, was shot eight times and remains in stable condition.

Initial reports cited four wounded, but Rabeh later confirmed five injured, three of whom are critically hurt. The mayor stated the deceased was of African origin, while one critical victim is of North African origin. A resident named Samy described seeing a body from his window and hearing loud bangs as the car sped past.

Prosecutors opened an investigation for murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. They are examining whether the victims were targeted based on real or supposed race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office placed three individuals from the suspect's family and social circle in custody over the weekend. The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, has four prior convictions that have been legally expunged.

With mass protests expected on Saturday over cost of living issues, Interior Minister Nuñez deployed approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes. The force includes elite units, helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons. Major Paris institutions, including the Louvre, closed their doors, and Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program due to safety concerns.