Horror of armed attacker in France: He wanted to commit massacre

One person died and four people were injured in an armed attack near the town of Trappes, west of Paris, the capital of France. It was reported that the attacker, who opened fire from a vehicle, targeted five people, including a 12-year-old girl. While a terrorism investigation was launched regarding the incident, a suspect was detained.

THE ATTACKER OPENED FIRE FROM THE VEHICLE

French police announced that a person opened fire from a vehicle and targeted people on the move in the attack that took place in the Yvelines region.

The reason for the attack is not yet clear.

French newspaper Le Parisien reported that the attacker used a World War II-era STEN-type machine gun.

Following the attack, a suspect was caught and detained near Trappes. The French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office also launched an investigation into the incident.

"HE WANTED TO COMMIT A MASSACRE"

Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh told BFMTV that the attacker drove around and opened fire at different points.

Stating that the attacker was wandering around more than one neighborhood, Rabeh stated that various places, including a playground, were targeted.

Describing the attacker's behavior as "He wanted to cause a massacre," Rabeh said:

“He appeared to be shooting at random and appeared intent on committing a massacre.”