A large-scale deployment of emergency services and law enforcement remains at the scene in the Parisian suburb of Trappes, where a fatal shooting occurred on Friday morning. Officials confirmed that one person was killed and at least four others were injured during the attack, which the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) is now treating as a potential act of terrorism. Shooting intermittently out of his car window, the attacker reportedly travelled down a main road.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described the events as “very serious,” noting that the primary suspect has been apprehended and is currently in police custody. While local media outlets have suggested the casualty count could be higher and may include a 12-year-old child, authorities are continuing to verify the details of the victims. French firefighters and police were seen at a petrol station in the area.
Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh provided a harrowing account of the incident, stating that an individual fired shots from a vehicle at several people. According to Rabeh, the suspect moved through various neighborhoods, firing randomly in an apparent effort to maximize casualties, ultimately targeting a local health center, a gas station, and multiple vehicles. The alleged gunman “wandered aimlessly” through several neighbourhoods and “fired randomly” with the seeming intent of causing “as many casualties as possible”, Rabeh told BFMTV.
The suspect, a 39-year-old male, was eventually taken into police custody in the nearby town of Coignières.
Police sources indicated the man was previously known to law enforcement, though not to French intelligence services. Regarding the motive, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the event as a “murderous rampage,” though he clarified that a specific underlying motive remains under investigation.
Mayor Rabeh noted that the African heritage of at least two victims might be a line of inquiry.
PNAT has confirmed their ongoing investigation encompasses “murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise” and “conspiracy with a terrorist group for the purpose of preparing crimes against persons.
Furthermore, the prosecutor’s office is investigating the suspect for the possession of a Category A weapon, a classification that includes military-grade hardware capable of burst fire.
Local police investigations suggest the gunman utilized an older, World War Two-era semi-automatic weapon. Amid the ongoing police response, President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep emotion regarding the tragedy, stating that the nation stands in solidarity with all those affected by this ordeal. According to le Parisien, The gun dated back to World War Two.
