France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office (PNAT) opened an investigation into the Oct. 23 shooting in Trappes, which President Emmanuel Macron characterized as both terrorism and racism.
Five people were wounded, including a 12-year-old girl, and one person died. Police arrested a 39-year-old suspect whom officials identified as Kevin T. His family surname was not given.
Macron said the gunman spared some people after assessing their skin color and appearance. Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh described the attack as racist and Islamophobic. He urged people to reject public rhetoric that, in his view, could embolden those who commit violence.
PNAT can take over cases it believes meet terrorism criteria. Terrorism convictions carry tougher sentences, and counterterrorism investigators have broader powers, The Straits Times reported. The newspaper also reported that the shooting came amid tensions after nationwide protests turned violent on Oct. 17, with more demonstrations planned for the weekend.
