Three people killed and several injured as former train worker opens fire near Kurdish centre in Paris shooting
23 December 2022, 11:50 | Updated: 23 December 2022, 19:22
Three people have been killed and several people have been injured in a horror Paris shooting, sparking "total panic".
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The killer - said to be aged 69 and a former rail worker - allegedly opened fire at a Kurdish cultural centre in the tenth arrondissement in the north of the city centre.
He reportedly managed to get seven or eight shots away before officers wrestled the gun from him.
A shopkeeper in the local area told the news agency AFP that she had heard the incident.
She said: "it was total panic. We locked ourselves inside."
French police work the scene at site of shooting in Paris
Police have arrested him and told the public to stay away.
"He is a French national who was with SNCF for many years," said police. SNCF is France's state-owned rail company.
"He was arrested at the scene and is cooperating with the authorities. He is now under investigation for murder and aggravated violence."
Emmanuel Macron tweeted his condolences, saying: "The Kurds of France have been the target of a heinous attack in the heart of Paris. Thoughts to the victims, to the people who are struggling to live, to their families and loved ones. Recognition to our law enforcement for their courage and composure."
No motive has been provided by police but Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said the suspect has previously been charged with racist violence after attacking tents in a migrant camp with a sword in December 2021.
Footage taken at the scene of the shooting shows two roads blocked off by police tape, with crowds of emergency services workers.
Paris's deputy mayor Emmanuel Gregoire tweeted: "A gun attack has taken place. Thank you to the security forces for their swift action.
"Thoughts for the victims and those who witnessed this drama."
After the killing spree, fights broke out between police and a large group of people who had gathered at the scene.
Videos show people starting a fire, throwing chairs and other objects with police in riot gear responding by throwing tear gas.
