A gunman firing from a vehicle killed one person and wounded four others in the Paris suburb of Trappes on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Authorities reported that the suspect, a 39-year-old man, was arrested shortly after the incident in the nearby town of Coignieres. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into "murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise" to determine if the victims were targeted based on their "real or supposed race, ethnicity, nationality or religion."
The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time when the gunman allegedly fired in bursts while driving through Trappes and neighboring La Verriere. Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh stated the shooter appeared to be firing at random with the intent to cause a "bloodbath." Witnesses reported hearing "loud bangs" and seeing a grey Renault Clio speeding through the area.
Among the casualties, a 12-year-old girl in La Verriere was "seriously wounded" after being shot eight times and is reported to be in stable condition. Mayor Rabeh said the person killed was of African origin, and one of the wounded, currently in critical condition, is of North African origin. French officials stated that at least two of the victims were from immigrant backgrounds.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez spoke to the press following the shooting. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said "all resources of the security forces and the judiciary are fully mobilised." President Emmanuel Macron said the nation stands with the victims.
The shooting occurred amid nationwide tension, including riots following protests over the cost of living. Residents in Trappes recently faced tension involving threats against a teacher.
The 39-year-old suspect remains in custody. More protests are expected throughout France this upcoming weekend, and national police have promised a larger presence to maintain order following a week of overnight curfews in cities throughout the country.