French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the incident as an extremely serious crime, saying investigators were examining it as a potential act of terrorism.

Suspect arrested after shooting spree

According to officials, the 39-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, allegedly drove through Trappes in the Yvelines district and opened fire with an automatic weapon at multiple locations.

The sites included a petrol station, a medical centre and a children's playground.

Police arrested the suspect before he could target additional victims. Images from the scene showed his vehicle riddled with bullets.

French broadcaster BFM reported that the 12-year-old girl had sustained eight gunshot wounds and was in serious condition.

Mayor suspects racist, Islamophobic motive

Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes, condemned the shooting, describing it as an apparently racist attack that was likely motivated by Islamophobia.

Rabeh, whose parents are of Moroccan origin, said the victims could easily have been members of his own family, highlighting the devastating impact of violence directed at people because of their perceived background.

The mayor also called for a united rejection of inflammatory political rhetoric, warning that such language could contribute to creating an environment in which individuals feel encouraged to commit violent acts.

Rabeh said two of the victims were of African and North African origin, respectively. The backgrounds of the other victims were not disclosed.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors examine motive

France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) confirmed that investigators were examining whether the attack was motivated by racial or religious hatred.

The office has the authority to assume control of criminal investigations when incidents meet the legal criteria for terrorism, including attacks linked to far-right ideologies.

Cases classified as terrorism can attract harsher sentences, while specialised counter-terrorism agencies have access to expanded investigative powers.

Nicolas Dainville, mayor of the neighbouring town of La Verrière, said the suspect lived in Plaisir, another town in the Yvelines department.

He also described the suspect as being of European appearance.

Shooting comes amid political tensions

The attack comes at a sensitive time for France, following violent unrest during nationwide protests on October 17, with further demonstrations expected over the coming weekend.

Several far-right politicians have blamed immigration for a wave of looting and vandalism that affected multiple French cities during the unrest.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting, including the suspect's possible motives and whether the incident meets the legal definition of a terrorist attack.