French anti-terrorism investigators have taken over a shooting investigation after one person was killed and four others seriously injured in attacks at multiple locations in suburbs near Paris.
The shooting occurred on Friday in Trappes and La Verrière, where a suspect allegedly fired at people from a vehicle, according to French authorities.
A suspect has been arrested and taken into police custody, while investigators examine whether the attacks were racially motivated.
France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office said it had opened an investigation into several offences, including murder linked to a terrorist enterprise, with an aggravating circumstance relating to the victim’s actual or perceived race, ethnicity, nationality or religion.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the suspect appeared to have used a military-grade or automatic weapon during the attacks.
Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh told BFM TV that the gunman appeared to have fired relatively indiscriminately at passersby at different locations, including a playground.
“It is a miracle that there were not more victims,” Rabeh said.
The mayor said the person killed was of African origin, while one of those seriously wounded was of North African origin. Authorities have not established whether the victims were specifically targeted because of their backgrounds.
The anti-terrorism prosecutor’s involvement means investigators will examine the circumstances of the shooting, including whether it was motivated by racial or religious hostility or had a terrorist connection.
The incident comes as France prepares for another round of protests against the rising cost of living on Saturday.
Authorities have stepped up security measures following violent unrest during the previous week. Major museums have also announced closures as officials seek to prevent further disturbances.
The shooting has added to security concerns ahead of the planned demonstrations, although authorities have not established any connection between the attacks and the protests.
Investigations into the shootings remain ongoing.
