Deadly Shooting on Champs-Élysées in Paris

France is preparing itself for the presidential election. Days before the election, Paris once again became a scene of violence. An attack that, according to François Hollande, the president of the country, was a “terrorist” act.

As a result of shooting on Champs-Élysées street in Paris, one police officer was killed. Another police officer was also wounded in the shooting. The attacker was shot and killed. François Hollande, the president of France, spoke of a terrorist act.

Following the deadly shooting on Champs-Élysées in Paris, the anti-terrorism unit of the city’s prosecutor’s office launched its investigation. According to statements by Pierre Henry Brandet, spokesperson for the French Interior Ministry, the attacker’s vehicle stopped near a police car, then the attacker got out of the vehicle and opened fire on police officers.

After the attack, the attacker attempted to flee without his vehicle but was shot and killed. Based on available information, the attacker acted alone in this attack. However, the possibility that other individuals may have cooperated with the attacker during this assault cannot be ruled out.

François Hollande’s Statement

Security forces brought down the attacker. During his escape, he also shot a tourist, causing her injury. Paris police asked people to avoid the Champs-Élysées street. Officers blocked the streets surrounding the Champs-Élysées boulevard.

French President François Hollande, by posting a tweet, expressed condolences to the family of the police officer who was killed during this attack. Following the shooting, François Hollande held a meeting at the Élysée Palace with the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister.

Hollande said about this attack that much information suggests that this was a terrorist attack. Referring to France’s Sunday election, Hollande said that police would employ all security measures to oversee the election process.

ISIS Claimed Responsibility

Amaq News Agency, affiliated with the “Islamic State” group (ISIS), claimed responsibility for the shooting on Champs-Élysées.

In a report released by ISIS, it was stated that the attacker was one of the fighters of this notorious terrorist group known as “Abu Youssef the Belgian.”

Based on a report released by the French news agency, the attacker was a known individual to French police. His identity has not yet been formally announced. However, according to the news agency’s report, the attacker was a 39-year-old French citizen.

Source: DW