Macron calls Paris suburb shooting a racist terrorist attack

· Security · France

A gunman opened fire from a car in the towns of Trappes and La Verrière west of Paris on Friday, killing one person and wounding five others, including a 12-year-old girl, before being arrested. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack as racist and terrorist and travelled to Trappes, while the prime minister issued a statement. The shooting came at a moment of acute tension in France, where students, workers and unions have protested over living costs and strained public services after violent riots. Some 70,000 security forces are being mobilised for Saturday's protests, with helicopters and armoured vehicles, and Paris has extended partial curfews while banning some demonstrations. Some Parisians have been buying pepper spray and tear gas for self-defence.

Why it matters:The attack lands as France is already strained by unrest and rising borrowing costs, testing the government's ability to hold public order and social trust together.

Key points

  • One killed and five wounded, including a 12-year-old girl; a suspect was arrested
  • About 70,000 security personnel are being deployed for Saturday's protests
  • Marseille and Lyon have banned protests outright

Sources (original reporting)

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