Deadly shooting in Paris suburb may be terrorist act, officials say

The man, arrested shortly after in nearby Coignieres, was "firing at random, wanting to cause a bloodbath" as he drove through both towns, according to Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh. At least two victims were from immigrant backgrounds, with the deceased described as "of African origin" and one critically wounded person "of north African origin."

Victims and Investigation

A 12-year-old girl was "seriously wounded" after being shot eight times but is in stable condition, La Verriere mayor Nicolas Dainville told AFP. Prosecutors are investigating whether the attack targeted victims based on "real or supposed race, ethnicity, nationality or religion" and have opened an investigation for "murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise."

National Context

The shooting occurred as France remains on edge following riots that erupted during mass protests over the cost of living, which saw some of the worst street violence in recent years. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu called the case "very serious" and noted "all resources of the security forces and the judiciary are fully mobilised."

President Emmanuel Macron stated "the nation is standing with" the victims of this "terrible ordeal." Trappes has experienced previous tensions after a teacher there reported receiving threats following the 2020 beheading of teacher Samuel Paty by a radical Islamist for showing Prophet Mohammed caricatures to his class.