Strasbourg, France – A shooting in the French city of Strasbourg killed two people and wounded up to eleven others, officials said, sparking a major security operation around a world-famous Christmas market on Tuesday. Authorities said the shooter remains at large.
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The motive for the shooting is unclear. It wasn’t immediately clear if the market was the target of the attack or if there was any link to terrorism.
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told reporters that the gunman has been identified, and had a police record for common crimes. He several of the wounded were in critical condition and that he was heading to Strasbourg.
The French Interior Ministry called on the public to remain indoors.
“Our security and rescue services are mobilized,” Castaner said.
Local authorities tweeted for the public to “avoid the area of the police station,” which is close to the city’s Christmas market. Strasbourg’s well-known market is set up around the city’s cathedral during the Christmas period and becomes a major gathering place.
Images from the scene show police officers, police vehicles and barricades surrounding the sparkling lights of the market.
The European Parliament, which is based in Strasbourg, was on lockdown. Spokesman Jaume Duch said that “the European Parliament has been closed and no one can leave until further notice.” It wasn’t immediately clear how many people were inside.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that “my thoughts are with the victims of the shooting …. Strasbourg is like no other a city which is a symbol of peace and European democracy.”
France has been hit by several extremist attacks, including the 2015 Paris shootings, which killed 130 people and wounded hundreds, and a truck attack in Nice that killed dozens in 2016.
Some Strasbourg residents have reported on social media that they heard gunfire in some parts of the city center.
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe tweeted that “the situation is still underway, priority is given to security forces and rescuers.”
President Emmanuel Macron has adjourned a meeting at the presidential palace on Tuesday night to be able to monitor the events, his office said.
Strasbourg, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) east of Paris, is on the border with Germany.
Nu: Just keep bringing in these savages from Asia and Africa and you will have a wonderful country.
France has been our longest and greatest ally, since their vital assistance in the Revolutionary War 1775-1783 and in both World Wars, for those who missed it. Lsst month trumpus refused to go to the French National Cemetery to commemorate the end of WW1. Then he insulted Macron on French soil. 2 days ago he tweeted insults vs France during their rioting. What a moron is rasha trumpf. Only a few more shopping days before… JANUARY FIRST!
To #3-Hashomer-You need a lesson in civics and American History; the French government did not give us any assistance in World War Two. It was the USA, which liberated France from the Nazi invaders, with the D-Day invasion; it was our GI’s, who fought the Nazis in France, driving the fascists back to Deutchland. For political reasons, DeGaulle was giving the kovod of being in front of the parade (with the Free French forces), when Paris was liberated in 1944. However, their contribution was minimal. Regarding Trump not going to the French National Cemetery, it was impossible for his helicopter to go there, because of very bad weather. He couldn’t go by road either, because that cemetery is in a very remote part of northeastern France, with substandard roads. The Secret Service would not allow Trump to risk that trip. Why don’t you peddle your repetitious propaganda elsewhere!
France should show restraint.
#1 , the suspect is named “Cherif Chekatt.” He was born in France.