A shooting in the centre of Paris on Friday has led to the deaths of at least three people, with three more injured (two critically). The incident happened near the major train stations of Paris Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est, according to the Paris prosecutor.
The shooting took place on Rue d’Enghien, a street in the French capital's 10th arrondissement, with witnesses reportedly hearing seven to eight gunshots. Police cordoned off the street and on Twitter, urged people to stay away from the area.
"Total panic broke out," one witness told French news agency AFP. According to the French public prosecutor's office, at least two people have already died. Four others were injured, two of them said to be in very bad condition.
ALERTE - Fusillade à Paris : plusieurs blessés dans le 10eme arrondissement.
Police sur place. Un suspect interpelé. pic.twitter.com/mbQFl2a0vf — Clément Lanot (@ClementLanot) December 23, 2022
The suspect
According to local media, the man believed to have carried out the attack is a 69-year-old French national. He had already been arrested by police for homicide attempts in 2016 and 2021. His motive is not yet clear.
Alexandra Cordebard, mayor of the neighbourhood, told reporters that "The murderer was also injured quite severely and has been taken to hospital."
The shooting started shortly before midday. The street is part of a busy neighbourhood and features a Kurdish cultural centre nearby that works to integrate the Kurdish community in the region.
A police source confirmed that "the man was arrested with his firearm and the immediate danger has passed."
🔴 L'attaque a eu lieu au niveau d'un centre culturel kurde du 10e arrondissement de Paris, rue Enghien.
"Le motif raciste fait évidemment partie des investigations", a précisé la procureure de Paris. Suivez les dernières informations sur notre direct : https://t.co/wkeCZk3X7E https://t.co/B5RSoxEl0J — franceinfo (@franceinfo) December 23, 2022
Investigators were examining a possible racist motive behind the shooting, the public prosecutor added. The suspect's identity and his target immediately raised suspicions that the shooting could have been racially motivated.
A local restaurant owner on the street told reporters that a "white male entered the Kurdish cultural centre and shots were heard. He then entered the hear salon next door. We sheltered in the restaurant with the other members of staff."
This piece is being updated as details emerge.
