Suspect Charged After Paris Suburb Rampage

French President Emmanuel Macron labeled a deadly shooting in the Paris suburbs a racist terrorist act.

Macron stated on Friday that the violence marked a turning point for the nation. He described the incident as the first random racial killing of this type in France. The violence began in Trappes, a town south-west of the capital, and moved to the neighboring community of La Verrière. The attack lasted approximately 15 minutes. The gunman fired from a grey Renault Clio while driving through several neighborhoods. Witnesses reported that he targeted individuals at a petrol station, a medical center, and a playground. One person died, and five others were injured. Three of the wounded are in serious condition, including a 12-year-old girl. The suspect was arrested on the main road in La Verrière.

French media identified the suspect as Kevin T, a 39-year-old man with four prior convictions that had been expunged. Local reports indicate he was known to police but not to intelligence services. The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office, or PNAT, said the case appears to be murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. The investigation also covers the possession of a Category A weapon and conspiracy to prepare crimes against persons. A member of his immediate family was also detained on Friday.

Macron visited the scene and said victims were selected based on skin color or religion. He urged the public to resist ideologies taking root. Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh said the gunman fired randomly to cause as many casualties as possible. Rabeh stated that the attacker wanted to cause carnage. A police chief told BFMTV that the suspect used an older-style semi-automatic weapon. Le Parisien reported that the firearm dated back to World War Two.

The mother of the injured 12-year-old told broadcaster RTL that her daughter suffered eight gunshot wounds and required surgery. She said her daughter was wearing a headscarf and wondered if that was the reason for the attack. The mother emphasized that her daughter was born in Trappes and has the right to live in France. The PNAT has not yet established the precise motive for the shooting.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court in the coming days to face formal charges. Prosecutors will review evidence to determine the specific terrorist enterprise involved. The investigation continues to examine the suspect's background and the origin of the weapon.