Paris Suburb Drive-By Sparks Terror Investigation

A 15-minute shooting spree in the suburbs of Paris has led to terrorism charges. French President Emmanuel Macron called the attack a 'racist terrorist attack,' marking a 'turning point in the life of our Republic and our nation.' The violence lasted about 15 minutes, with the attacker firing from his car in Trappes and then in the neighboring town of La Verrière.

The attacker appeared to be targeting people of migrant origin. Three of the five wounded, including a 12-year-old girl, remain in serious condition. The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) said the case appeared to be 'murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise.' Its investigation also covers possession of a Category A weapon and conspiracy with a terrorist group to prepare crimes against persons.

The suspect, identified as Kevin T, aged 39, had four previous convictions that had been 'automatically expunged.' He was not on a list of people regarded as a serious threat to French security, but a member of his 'immediate family circle' was also taken into custody on Friday. Local media report that he was known to police but not to the country's intelligence services.

Witnesses said the gunman drove through several neighborhoods in a grey Renault Clio. Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh said he 'fired randomly,' apparently hoping to cause 'as many casualties as possible.' 'He wanted to cause carnage,' Rabeh said. People were targeted at a petrol station, a medical centre and a playground in Trappes before the attacker continued to La Verrière, where a police union official said he was detained on the town's main road.