On Friday morning, a 39‑year‑old gunman drove through the working‑class town of [Trappes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trappes) and the neighbouring La Verrière, firing from his vehicle and leaving one dead and five injured, among them a 12‑year‑old girl shot eight times. The French presidency described the incident as a "racist terrorist attack" and the suspect was apprehended in Coignières shortly after the shooting.
**What were the key facts?**
- The attack occurred at approximately 10:30 am local time (08:30 GMT).
- Victims included individuals of African and North‑African origin; the deceased was identified as being of African descent.
- Police recovered a sub‑machine gun, tear‑gas grenades and a booby‑trapped flat containing three gas canisters wired to a timer.
- Interior Minister [Laurent Nunez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurent_Nunez) called the incident "clearly a terrorist crime" and travelled to the affected towns.
- President [Emmanuel Macron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmanuel_Macron) visited Trappes, stating that the nation stands with the victims of this "terrible ordeal".
**Who carried out the shooting?**
Mayor Ali Rabeh of Trappes said the gunman was firing at random, aiming to cause a "bloodbath". He added that the shooter appeared to target people based on their real or perceived race, ethnicity, nationality or religion. The mayor of La Verrière, Nicolas Dainville, confirmed that two of the wounded were cleaners of African origin who were attending a school that morning.
**How did authorities respond?**
Anti‑terrorism prosecutors opened an investigation for "murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise". The suspect was found with a sub‑machine gun and tear‑gas grenades, and his flat was rigged with explosive devices. A police source told AFP that the gunfire was delivered in bursts from the vehicle.
**What has been the public reaction?**
Local residents expressed fear and anger. Adel, a 50‑year‑old North‑African resident of Trappes, said his "heart was broken" and warned that the attack could intimidate communities sharing his background. Another resident, Samy, described seeing a body from his window and hearing loud bangs as a grey Renault Clio sped past.
**What statements were made by officials?**
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu posted on X that the case is "very serious" and that "all resources of the security forces and the judiciary are fully mobilised". Macron earlier affirmed national solidarity with the victims, calling the incident a "terrible ordeal".
The shooting comes amid heightened tension in France following recent riots linked to cost‑of‑living protests, which have prompted curfews and a strong police presence across major cities. Further demonstrations are expected over the weekend as authorities maintain heightened security.