France Deploys 70,000 Officers After Trappes Drive-By Kills One

Police in France will deploy approximately 70,000 officers and gendarmes on Saturday, a massive show of force ordered in response to a drive-by shooting in the Paris suburb of Trappes. The deployment comes as the country prepares for further demonstrations following a violent incident on Friday morning.

The shooting began at 10:30 a.m. local time when a suspect fired from a gray Renault Clio. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated the attack lasted just under 15 minutes. The weapon used was described as military-grade or automatic. Five officers from the anti-crime brigade ended the barrage by arresting the suspect in the nearby town of Coignières.

One person died in the attack, and at least five others were wounded. Mayor Ali Rabeh of Trappes said three of the injured were in critical condition. The mayor of neighboring La Verrière, Nicolas Dainville, confirmed that a 12-year-old girl was shot eight times. She is currently in stable condition. Rabeh noted that the victim who died was of African origin, while one critically wounded victim is of North African origin.

President Emmanuel Macron labeled the incident a racist terror attack. He told residents that the targets were chosen based on skin color or perceived religion. “These people were targeted because of their skin color or perceived religion, and for no other reason,” Macron said. He added that the suspect’s statements indicated the plot was premeditated.

Rabeh described the suspect’s drive through Trappes and La Verrière as an attempt to cause a bloodbath. The gunman fired at random at three locations, including a playground. Rabeh called the low casualty count a miracle given the nature of the attack. He suggested the incident may be one of the first attempted mass killings driven by Islamophobia and racism.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation for murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. They are examining whether the victims were targeted for their real or supposed race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office placed three additional individuals from the suspect’s family and friend group in police custody. The suspect has four prior convictions, all of which have been legally expunged.

The security sweep includes elite units, helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that all resources of the security forces and judiciary are fully mobilized. Major Paris museums, including the Louvre, will close, and Art Basel Paris has canceled its weekend program due to safety concerns. The deployment aims to cover public buildings and streets as protests continue.