Four prior convictions erased for Trappes gunman before deadly drive-by

A gunman driving a gray Renault Clio killed one person and wounded five others in the Paris suburb of Trappes on Friday. The shooter fired in bursts from the vehicle at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. The attack spanned Trappes and the neighboring town of La Verriere.

President Emmanuel Macron labeled the incident a racist terror attack. He stated that the victims were selected because of their skin color or perceived religion. Macron noted that the suspect’s statements indicated the act was premeditated. He added that France has no place for such violence.

Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes, described the suspect as driving through the area to cause a bloodbath. Rabeh said the gunman targeted passersby at three distinct locations, including a playground. He characterized the event as likely one of the first attempted mass killings motivated by Islamophobia. Rabeh called the low casualty count a miracle.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that the weapon used was military-grade or automatic. Five officers from the anti-crime brigade stopped the shooting after it lasted just under 15 minutes. Police arrested the suspect in the nearby town of Coignieres. The suspect has four prior convictions, all of which have been legally expunged. Prosecutors have not yet publicly identified him.

Officials initially reported four wounded. Rabeh later corrected the figure to five. Three of the injured are in critical condition. Nicolas Dainville, the mayor of La Verriere, confirmed that a 12-year-old girl was shot eight times. She is in stable condition. The victim who died was of African origin. One critically wounded victim is of North African origin.

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. Three additional people from the suspect’s family and friend circle were placed in police custody on Friday evening. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office did not specify the reasons for these detentions.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated that all security and judicial resources are fully mobilized. Approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes have been deployed. This force includes elite units, helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons. The deployment aims to secure public buildings and manage the weekend. Major Paris museums, including the Louvre, will close. Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program due to safety concerns. Students and labor union members are scheduled to demonstrate on Saturday.