Trappes mayor claims gunman sought mass bloodbath in car shooting

France’s capital region was already tense from cost-of-living protests and overnight curfews when a vehicle-borne attack struck the suburb of Trappes on Friday morning. The incident added a layer of urgency to a weekend already scheduled for large demonstrations by students and labor unions.

A gunman fired from a car at 10:30 a.m. local time, killing one person and wounding five others. The victims included a 12-year-old girl who sustained eight gunshot wounds. Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh told BFMTV that the driver aimed to cause a bloodbath, targeting passersby at three specific locations, one of which was a playground. Rabeh described the event as likely one of the first attempted mass killings driven by Islamophobia and racism.

President Emmanuel Macron labeled the incident a racist terror attack after meeting with officials. He stated that the suspect’s statements indicated premeditation and that victims were chosen for their skin color or perceived religion. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed the weapon was military-grade or automatic. He noted that five officers from the anti-crime brigade ended the 15-minute assault, leading to the suspect's arrest in Coignieres.

Eyewitnesses provided conflicting initial details about the scene. Samy, a local resident, saw a body from his window, while his mother reported hearing loud bangs as a gray Renault Clio sped by. Forensic teams later examined evidence at a nearby gas station. Officials initially reported four wounded, a figure Rabeh later corrected to five, noting that three victims were in critical condition.

Prosecutors opened an investigation for murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. They are determining if the victims were targeted for their real or supposed race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office said three associates of the suspect were placed in custody Friday evening. The suspect has four prior convictions that have been legally expunged, and his identity has not been released.

The victim who died was of African origin, according to Rabeh. One critically wounded victim is of North African origin. The 12-year-old girl remains in stable condition. The suspect’s family and friends are currently being questioned as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Security forces are preparing for potential unrest on Saturday. Nuñez said 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed, supported by helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons. Major Paris museums, including the Louvre, will close. Art Basel Paris has canceled its weekend program due to safety concerns.