France’s National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) has taken over the investigation into a shooting in the communes of Trappes and La Verrière, in the Yvelines department, around 40 kilometres southwest of Paris.
The suspect was arrested by police in the neighbouring commune of Coignières shortly after the incident, which occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Judicial authorities are investigating the case as murder linked to a terrorist enterprise, with the aggravating circumstance that the acts were allegedly committed because of the victim’s real or perceived membership of a particular race, ethnicity, nation or religion.
The investigation also covers alleged offences involving the possession of Category A firearms and participation in a terrorist criminal conspiracy.
Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh confirmed to the media that the person killed was of African origin, while one of the seriously injured victims was of Maghrebi origin.
Regarding the possible motive, Rabeh stressed that it is up to the judicial authorities to determine whether the suspect acted out of racist or ideological motivations.
Meanwhile, the Yvelines prefecture and emergency services have established psychological support facilities at the scene for witnesses and victims’ relatives.
Investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the shooting and the profiles of those involved.
Authorities are investigating suspected racist terrorism, but the motive has not yet been definitively established.
