Macron says France at historic crossroads after Trappes shooting

French President Emmanuel Macron has declared a recent shooting in a Parisian suburb as a "racist terrorist attack". The incident, which left one person dead and five others injured, unfolded over a span of 15 minutes. The attacker, identified as Kevin T, appeared to target individuals of migrant origin, driving through several neighbourhoods in a grey Renault Clio, opening fire from his vehicle.

The attack occurred in Trappes, located southwest of Paris, and later in nearby La Verrière. Three of the injured, including a 12-year-old girl, remain in serious condition. Macron visited the scene of the attack, emphasizing that people had been targeted based on their skin color or religion. He urged the public not to waver in the face of what he described as "ideologies taking root".

The assailant, who had four prior convictions, was arrested in La Verrière. The motive remains unclear, but the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) considers the incident as "murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise". The suspect, a 39-year-old, was known to police but not to France's intelligence services.

A member of his immediate family circle was also taken into custody. The Mayor of Trappes, Ali Rabeh, described the attacker as someone who "fired shots ... with the seeming intent of causing as many casualties as possible". The injured 12-year-old's mother questioned whether her daughter's headscarf was the reason for the attack.

The attacker is believed to have used an older-style semi-automatic weapon capable of firing in bursts. The investigation is also looking into the suspect's alleged conspiracy with a terrorist group for the purpose of preparing crimes against persons.