The motivations for Friday’s mass shooting in Paris remain unknown, according to France’s interior minister.
A 69-year-old gunman opened fire in the French capital, killing at least three people and injuring three others, local media reported. He was placed in custody after he fired gunshots on Enghien Street in the city center.
Visiting the site of the shooting, Gerald Darmanin said the motivations for the attack remain unknown.
He said the gunman was not known by intelligence officials for membership in ultra-right wing groups or extremism.
The suspect "obviously" acted alone, said Darmanin. He will soon testify after being treated at a hospital, he said.
Darmanin also said an official investigation will help shed light on the incident.
Although the attacker targeted foreigners as aggressor gangs, it cannot be said that Kurds were specifically targeted, he added.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, who earlier visited the scene, said the suspect carried out two attacks in the past, including one against people staying in tents in Paris. He was recently released.
An investigation has been launched into homicide, attempted homicide and deliberate acts of armed violence, said Beccuau.
Suspected racist motivations behind the attack will be investigated, she said.
Police caught the attacker with his gun, according to media reports. It added that the suspect was named William M., who held an employee ID card from the National Company of French Railways.
No official statement has yet been made regarding the purpose of the attack.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne extended condolences to the victims and congratulated officers who caught the attacker. Borne confirmed that an investigation has been opened.
“A terrible act has shaken Paris and France today,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Twitter. “My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” he added.
“Tragic news about the shooting in Paris today. My thoughts are with the victims and their families – the UK is ready to support in whatever way we can,” said UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
The Austrian Foreign Ministry wrote on Twitter that “hate will not win."
*Writing by Gozde Bayar
