Macron declares turning point after 15-minute Paris suburb shooting spree

Emmanuel Macron visited the scene of a shooting in the western suburbs of Paris on Friday to declare the incident a turning point for the nation. The president described the violence as a racist terrorist attack, marking the first time France had witnessed a random racial killing of this nature. He urged citizens to stand firm against ideologies taking root in society.

The attack lasted approximately 15 minutes. Kevin T, 39, fired from a grey Renault Clio while driving through Trappes and then the neighboring town of La Verrière. Witnesses reported he targeted individuals based on their skin color or religion. The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office has charged him with murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. They also investigated his possession of a Category A weapon and conspiracy to prepare crimes against persons.

One person died in the rampage, and five others were wounded. Three of the injured, including a 12-year-old girl, remain in serious condition. The girl sustained eight gunshot wounds and required surgery. Her mother told broadcaster RTL that her daughter was wearing a headscarf and speculated that this may have made her a target. The mother emphasized that her daughter was born in Trappes and had the right to live in France.

French media identified the suspect as Kevin T, who had four previous convictions that were automatically expunged. Local reports indicate he was known to police but not to intelligence services. The prosecutor's office stated he was not on a list of serious threats to national security. A member of his immediate family circle was also taken into custody on Friday.

Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes, said the gunman fired randomly with the goal of causing as many casualties as possible. He noted that the attacker wanted to create carnage. People were shot at a petrol station, a medical center, and a playground in Trappes before the driver continued to La Verrière. A police union official confirmed the suspect was detained on the town's main road.

A local police chief told BFMTV that the weapon used was an older-style semi-automatic firearm. Le Parisien reported the gun dated back to World War II. The case involves the use of a military-grade arm capable of firing in bursts. The investigation continues under the authority of the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office.