Macron condemns racism after one killed in terrorist shooting near Paris
French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned a racist terrorist attack in Trappes west of Paris that killed one person and wounded five others, including a 12-year-old girl shot eight times.
Macron arrived at the scene of the drive-by shooting in Trappes on Friday night, expressing deep sadness over what he called a 'premeditated' attack. The 12-year-old girl is being treated in hospital after being shot eight times. The president emphasized that the gunman had targeted people specifically because of the color of their skin.
Racist attack
Macron stated that racism has become part of the 'ambient discourse in France' and created a dangerous atmosphere. He called for 'respect and unity' amid fears among French citizens that they could be next targets.
Mayor's response
Ali Rabeh, the leftwing mayor of Trappes whose family has Moroccan roots, described the attack as 'objectively a racist attack, probably Islamophobic.' He noted that the people targeted 'could just as easily have been my mother, my brothers or my sisters-in-law.'
A 12-year-old girl is between life and death after being targeted by a volley of automatic gunfire in our country. Her crime was probably being of colour.
Investigation details
Anti-terrorism prosecutors are investigating whether the gunman targeted victims based on their 'real or supposed race, ethnicity, nationality or religion.' The 39-year-old suspect, Kevin T, was stopped by police with a sten gun and teargas grenades.
The suspect had booby-trapped his home with gas canisters and electric wires connected to a timer. A family member was arrested and taken into custody for questioning. The prosecutor confirmed the medical status of the five wounded victims remains unstable.
National context
The shooting occurs amid heightened tensions in France following violent unrest last Saturday that left public buildings burned, shops destroyed, and 2,400 people arrested. Renewed protests over teacher shortages and high cost of living are expected this Saturday.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the attack as 'an extremely serious act' as France approaches presidential elections with Marine Le Pen polling highly. Communist candidate Fabien Roussel blamed the far right for 'racist hatred' in France, while Le Pen condemned the 'abject motive of racism' of the attack.
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