Macron brands Trappes shooting a racist terror attack

French President Emmanuel Macron has labeled a deadly drive-by in the Paris suburbs a racist terrorist attack.

The violence unfolded over 15 minutes on Friday, beginning in Trappes and moving to the adjacent town of La Verrière. One person died, and five others were wounded during the incident. Three of the injured remain in serious condition, including a 12-year-old girl who suffered eight gunshot wounds.

The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) opened an investigation into murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. The inquiry also covers the possession of a Category A weapon and conspiracy with a terrorist group. Prosecutors identified the suspect as Kevin T, a 39-year-old man with four previous convictions that had been automatically expunged.

Macron visited the scene and described the event as a turning point for the Republic. He stated that France had not previously seen a random racial killing of this nature. The president urged the public not to give an inch against ideologies taking root, claiming victims were targeted because of their skin color or religion.

Witnesses described a grey Renault Clio moving through several neighborhoods. Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh said the gunman fired randomly, aiming to cause as many casualties as possible. Targets included a petrol station, a medical center, and a playground before the shooter reached La Verrière. A police union official confirmed the suspect was detained on the town's main road.

Local police told BFMTV that the suspect used an older-style semi-automatic weapon. Le Parisien reported the firearm dated back to World War II. The prosecutor's office noted that Kevin T was not on a list of people regarded as a serious threat to French security. A member of his immediate family circle was also taken into custody on Friday.

The mother of the injured 12-year-old told RTL that her daughter had been wearing a headscarf. She questioned whether that was the reason for the attack, noting that her child was born in Trappes and has the right to live in France.