Gunman kills one, injures four near Paris in suspected terror attack

French prosecutors opened a terrorism investigation after a gunman driving a car opened fire in the Paris suburb of Trappes and neighboring La Verrière on October 23, 2026. The shooting left one person dead and four others wounded before police arrested a suspect near the town of Coignières.

Gunman Opens Fire Across Paris Suburbs

Police sources pinpointed the initial gunfire near a petrol station on Friday morning at around 10:30 am local time when an individual traveling in a vehicle opened fire at several people encountered along a path in Trappes and neighboring La Verrière, located about 20 kilometers west of the French capital.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed via X that very serious events have occurred in Trappes, in the Yvelines department, adding that the suspected attacker had been apprehended near the town of Coignières and placed in police custody following the vehicle-based shooting. Lecornu also noted that all security forces and judicial authorities are fully mobilised.

France school attack education — Photo: mirror.co.uk

Prosecutors Launch Terror Probe Into Attack

Anti-terror prosecutors stated they had taken on the investigation as murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise while Prime Minister Lecornu announced that the agency was monitoring the situation.

French President Emmanuel Macron shared his reaction on social media, offering thoughts to the victims, their families, and the residents of the Yvelines department. Macron expressed his deep emotion following the shooting attack and praised law enforcement for quickly apprehending the perpetrator.

Paris Shooting LIVE : One Killed, Four Wounded in Shooting Near Paris, Suspect Arrested

Mayor Details Random Shooting in Trappes

Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh described the terrifying nature of the assault, telling BFMTV that the shooter appeared to be firing at random and seemed ‌intent on carrying out a massacre. Local authorities confirmed that a 12-year-old girl was among those injured in the crossfire, while emergency crews and French media reports cautioned that the number of injured may be higher and the overall situation could still develop.

We regret to announce the death of one victim at this time… I offer my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, as well as my full support to the other victims.

Ali Rabeh, Mayor of Trappes

Police noted that the motive behind the attack remains unclear.

Gunman kills one, injures four near Paris in suspected terror attack — Photo: wionews.com

Authorities are establishing a support unit for anyone affected by the violence. Mayor Rabeh urged residents in a social media post to exercise caution, stating, In the meantime, let's show solidarity and caution. Let's take care of each other.