French President Emmanuel Macron declared a gun attack that unfolded over 15 minutes in the Paris suburbs of Trappes and La Verrière a “racist terrorist attack”. The incident left one person dead and five others wounded, including a 12‑year‑old girl who remains in serious condition.
Macron visited the scene in Trappes, where the attacker opened fire from his car, allegedly targeting people of migrant origin. He was subsequently arrested in La Verrière. The National Anti‑Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) said the case appears to be a murder linked to a terrorist enterprise, though the exact motive remains unclear.
The suspect, identified as Kevin T, 39, had four prior convictions that were automatically expunged. He was known to police but not to France’s intelligence services and was not on a list of serious security threats. A member of his immediate family circle was also taken into custody.
Mayor Ali Rabeh described the gunman as firing randomly from a grey Renault Clio, aiming to cause “as many casualties as possible”. Witnesses reported shots from a petrol station, a medical centre and a playground before the attacker moved to La Verrière. The weapon used was an older‑style semi‑automatic gun, reportedly dating back to World War Two, classified as a Category A weapon by PNAT.
Macron called the incident a “turning point” for the Republic, urging the public not to give an inch to ideologies that are taking root. The investigation continues to examine possible conspiracy with a terrorist group.
What to watch: Authorities are probing the attacker’s background and potential links to extremist networks, while the injured victims receive ongoing medical care.
