Shooting in French towns kills one, injures four

On Friday morning, October 23, a man fired shots in public streets in Trappes and La Verrière, in the Yvelines, killing one person and injuring at least four others, according to police sources and multiple news outlets.

Suspect arrested with prohibited weapon

The suspect, a 39-year-old man identified as Kevin T., was arrested in Coignières, still within the Yvelines, shortly after the incident. He was in a vehicle and fired in bursts using an automatic weapon, according to several reports, including a category A weapon, which is prohibited under French law.

Multiple locations targeted with casualties

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., with the suspect targeting multiple locations, including areas near a playground, a gas station, and a health center in Trappes, and near a pharmacy and Marcel Rivière Street in La Verrière. Among the injured was a 12-year-old girl, who was hit by eight bullets and was in critical condition, as well as a 26-year-old man who died at the scene. Other victims included individuals aged 21, 29, and 47, with their conditions reported as serious or critical.

Anti-terrorism investigation launched

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (Pnat) has taken charge of the investigation, opening an inquiry into charges including "murder related to a terrorist organization, with the circumstance that the acts were committed due to the true or presumed membership to a supposed race, ethnicity, nation, or religion," as well as attempted murder, possession of a category A weapon, and terrorist association for the preparation of crimes against persons. The investigation is being conducted by the SDAT, the coordinating service, the regional directions of the national police, and the DGSI.

Local officials suggest possible racial motive

The mayor of Trappes, Ali Rabeh, stated that the suspect "clearly was shooting at random and wanted to cause a massacre," and noted that the deceased was of African origin while one of the seriously injured was of Maghreb origin. The mayor of La Verrière, Nicolas Dainville, suggested a possible racist motive, noting that a 12-year-old girl was among the victims. However, he stated that the suspect's actions appeared to be random.

Government officials condemn the attack

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described the events as "very serious facts" and emphasized that all security forces and judicial authorities were fully mobilized. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called the incident "very serious" and stated that the suspect fired with "what appears to be a military-type weapon, or at least an automatic weapon." President Emmanuel Macron expressed "deep emotion" and solidarity with the victims and their families, acknowledging the Nation's support for them.

Suspect's vehicle and possible booby traps

The suspect's vehicle was found to contain an automatic rifle and tear gas grenades. Police sources indicated that his apartment in Plaisir may have been booby-trapped with gas cylinders during a search. The motive is currently under investigation, with some reports suggesting a possible racist or Islamophobic motive.