World · Malaysia Bureau
French gunman targeted Muslims and Africans in drive-by shooting spree
A 39-year-old suspect opened fire with a submachine gun from a moving vehicle in towns west of Paris, with prosecutors saying the attacks were motivated by bias against Muslim and African communities.
LSN Malaysia ·
French authorities have identified the suspect in a shooting rampage as 39-year-old Kevin T, who fired repeatedly from a vehicle as he drove through multiple towns in the western Paris region. Prosecutors investigating the incident have determined that the attack appeared to specifically target Muslims and people of African descent, indicating the violence was motivated by discriminatory intent.
The suspect allegedly used a submachine gun in the mobile shooting spree, striking at multiple locations as he travelled through the affected areas. The method of attack—firing from a moving vehicle—allowed the gunman to strike rapidly across a wider geographic area before authorities could respond.
The investigation into the shooting rampage is ongoing as French law enforcement works to establish the full timeline of events and any additional motives behind the violence. Authorities have not yet released details about the number of casualties or injuries resulting from the attacks.
The incident has renewed concerns about hate crimes and extremist violence in France, where such attacks targeting religious and ethnic minorities have periodically made headlines in recent years.