Macron condemns deadly Paris suburb shooting as racist terror attack

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned a drive-by shooting in the suburbs west of Paris as a racist terrorist attack after a gunman killed one person and wounded five others, including a 12-year-old girl.

The shooting took place over approximately 15 minutes on Friday morning across the neighbouring towns of Trappes and La Verrière, roughly 30 kilometres west of the capital. The attacker drove a grey Renault Clio through several residential areas, opening fire at a fuel station, a medical centre, a playground, and near a local school.

Addressing reporters at the scene in Trappes, Macron called the attack a turning point for the nation, stating that the victims were targeted solely because of their skin colour or perceived religion. National anti-terrorism prosecutors have formally opened an investigation into murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise motivated by racial or religious discrimination.

Victims targeted in 15-minute rampage

The man killed in the shooting was identified as Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 24-year-old member of a local mixed martial arts academy. Among the five injured, three remain in critical condition.

A 12-year-old girl suffered eight gunshot wounds while wearing a headscarf and underwent emergency surgery on Friday night. Two school cleaners of African origin were also among those shot in La Verrière. Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh said the gunman fired randomly with the explicit intention of causing a bloodbath among visible minorities.

Suspect arrested and apartment booby-trapped

Police intercepted the suspect in La Verrière shortly after the shooting began. Anti-terrorism prosecutors identified the suspect as Kevin T, a 39-year-old French national.

Investigators recovered a World War II-era Sten submachine gun and tear gas grenades from his vehicle. A subsequent search of his home revealed three gas cylinders rigged with electrical wires and a timer. Police also took an immediate family member of the suspect into custody for questioning.

While the suspect had four previous legal convictions, all had been automatically expunged under French law, and he was not listed on national security watchlists.

Tensions high ahead of nationwide protests

The attack comes during heightened social tension across France. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that 70,000 security personnel, supported by armoured vehicles and water cannon, would be deployed nationwide this weekend to maintain order during planned protests against high living costs.