Anti-terror prosecutor's office investigates fatal shooting near Paris

The two small towns of Trappes and La Verrière southwest of Paris are in shock. Late in the morning, a man shot at passers-by from a car. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that a 39-year-old suspect had been arrested. In addition, the French anti-terror prosecutor's office has taken over the investigation. It was an act of terrorism, said Nuñez.

According to a press release from the anti-terror public prosecutor's office, the investigation is, among other things, "murder in connection with a terrorist plan" - in connection with the "actual or alleged affiliation to a specific (...) ethnic group, nation or religion". This could indicate a racist motive.

When it comes to this classification, Aurore Bergé is cautious. As minister, she is responsible for the fight against discrimination and was also on site in the afternoon. "If the racist character is confirmed, then I certainly hope that the entire nation will stand behind the residents and the victims," ​​she said. "We cannot tolerate any racist or discriminatory statement, no matter how small, in the French Republic. We know that words can lead to violence."

Mayor: “Racist attack”

Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes, chooses clearer words. He spoke of a “racist and probably Islamophobic attack.” According to Rabeh, a man with African roots was shot and one of the injured comes from the Maghreb. Police sources said a submachine gun and tear gas grenades were seized during the arrest. The suspect has a criminal record but is currently unknown to the secret services.

In a short press statement, the mayor from the left-wing party Générations also addressed the increasingly polarized debate in France.

Another symptom of the divide?

The shooting in Trappes could further aggravate the already tense security situation in France. After last week's violent riots, a new day of protest has been announced for tomorrow.

According to the Interior Ministry, 70,000 police officers will be deployed around the demonstrations, including special police units. In the already heated political atmosphere, Trappes could become another symptom of the deep divisions in French society.