France Charges Driver in Suburb Gunman Case

French President Emmanuel Macron declared the October 23 shooting in the Paris suburbs a racist terrorist attack, marking what he called a turning point for the nation. The violence killed one person and wounded five others, including a 12-year-old girl, in the towns of Trappes and La Verrière.

The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office filed charges against the 39-year-old suspect, identified by media as Kevin T. The indictment lists murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise, possession of a Category A weapon, and conspiracy to prepare crimes against persons. Category A classification covers military-grade arms and weapons capable of firing in bursts.

Macron stated that victims were singled out based on skin color or religion. He described the event as the first random racial killing of its kind in France and urged the public to resist ideologies taking root. The precise motive, however, has not yet been formally established by investigators.

Witnesses described the gunman driving a grey Renault Clio through several neighborhoods for approximately 15 minutes. He fired at a petrol station, a medical center, and a playground in Trappes before moving to La Verrière. Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes, said the suspect fired randomly with the goal of causing as many casualties as possible.

The suspect had four previous convictions that were automatically expunged from his record. While local media reported he was known to police, the prosecutor's office stated he was not on a list of serious threats to national security. A member of his immediate family was also taken into custody on Friday.

The local police chief indicated the weapon was an older-style semi-automatic gun. Le Parisien reported the firearm dated back to World War II. The injured 12-year-old girl, who was wearing a headscarf, suffered eight gunshot wounds and required surgery. Her mother questioned whether the headscarf made her a target, noting that her daughter was born in Trappes and had the right to live there.

The suspect was detained on the main road of La Verrière. Three of the five wounded individuals remain in serious condition. The investigation continues as prosecutors gather evidence regarding the suspect's background and the specific weapon used in the attack.