France indicts driver for terrorism after 15-minute shooting spree

The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office has charged a 39-year-old driver with murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise following a 15-minute shooting spree in the Paris suburbs. The attack left one person dead and five others wounded. Investigators also brought charges for possession of a Category A weapon and conspiracy with a terrorist group to prepare crimes against persons.

The violence began in Trappes, south-west of Paris, and continued in the neighboring town of La Verrière. Witnesses described the suspect driving a grey Renault Clio through several neighborhoods, firing an older-style semi-automatic weapon. The firearm was reported to date back to World War II. The gunman targeted locations including a petrol station, a medical center, and a playground.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited the scene and described the incident as a racist terrorist attack. He stated that victims were singled out based on their skin color or religion. Macron called the event a turning point for the Republic and noted it was the first random racial killing of its kind in France. He urged the public not to give an inch against ideologies taking root.

French media identified the suspect as Kevin T. The prosecutor's office indicated he had four previous convictions that had been automatically expunged. Local reports noted he was known to police but not to intelligence services. A member of his immediate family circle was also taken into custody on Friday. The suspect was detained on the main road in La Verrière.

Three of the five wounded individuals remain in serious condition. Among them is a 12-year-old girl who suffered eight gunshot wounds. Her mother told broadcaster RTL that her daughter was wearing a headscarf at the time of the attack. The mother said her daughter was born in Trappes and has the right to live in France. She questioned how anyone could do this to a child.

Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh said the gunman fired randomly with the apparent goal of causing as many casualties as possible. He stated the suspect wanted to cause carnage. The precise motive has not yet been established, though the prosecutor's office characterized the case as a terrorist enterprise.

The investigation continues as authorities examine the circumstances of the attack. The suspect remains in custody while the legal process moves forward. The wounded victims are receiving treatment at local medical facilities. The community in Trappes and La Verrière continues to process the impact of the violence.