Paris Suburbs: Terror Charges Filed After 15-Minute Drive-By

French prosecutors have opened a terrorism case against a 39-year-old man following a 15-minute shooting spree in the Paris suburbs that killed one person and wounded five others. The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office, known as PNAT, cited murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. The office also cited possession of a Category A weapon and conspiracy with a terrorist group. Category A includes military-grade arms and weapons capable of firing in bursts.

The violence began in Trappes, southwest of Paris, and moved to the neighboring town of La Verrière. Witnesses described the gunman driving a grey Renault Clio through several neighborhoods. He fired at people at a petrol station, a medical center, and a playground in Trappes. In La Verrière, he was detained on the town's main road. Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh said the attacker fired randomly. Rabeh stated the man wanted to cause carnage and hoped to create as many casualties as possible.

President Emmanuel Macron visited the scene and called the incident a racist terrorist attack. He described it as a turning point for the Republic and said it was the first random racial killing of its kind in France. Macron said victims were singled out because of their skin color or religion. He urged the public not to give an inch against ideologies taking root. The precise motive has not been established yet.

French media identified the suspect as Kevin T, age 39. PNAT said he had four previous convictions that were automatically expunged. Local reports said he was known to police but not to intelligence services. The prosecutor's office told BFMTV he was not on a list of people regarded as a serious threat to French security. A member of his immediate family circle was taken into custody on Friday.

Three of the wounded remain in serious condition. They include a 12-year-old girl who suffered eight gunshot wounds. Her mother told broadcaster RTL that her daughter needed surgery. The girl was wearing a headscarf. The mother asked how anyone could do this to a child. She said her daughter was born in Trappes and has the right to live in France. A local police chief told BFMTV the suspect used an older-style semi-automatic weapon. Le Parisien reported the firearm dated back to World War Two.

The investigation continues. The case is being handled by the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office.