BOBIGNY: One person was killed and six injured overnight in a violent shooting incident in a northern suburb of Paris likely linked to drug trafficking, prosecutors and the mayor said Saturday.
The shooting occurred late Friday night in a parking lot near a cultural center in Sevran, situated between central Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport, according to prosecutors and local officials. Police were alerted to the scene around 11:45 pm (2145 GMT) and found four persons lying injured on the ground upon arrival.
Tragically, one victim succumbed to their injuries shortly after the shooting, while the remaining three were rushed to nearby hospitals in serious condition, as confirmed by a police source. Subsequently, three more persons wounded by gunfire were transported to hospitals for treatment.
Initial reports suggest that the incident unfolded when two men arrived at the parking lot in a vehicle, with one of them opening fire before fleeing the scene. The motive behind the attack appears to be linked to drug trafficking, according to Stephane Blanchet, the mayor of Sevran.
“It was clearly a settling of scores linked to drug trafficking,” Mayor Blanchet stated, condemning the reckless violence perpetrated by the assailants. He emphasized the importance of cracking down on illicit activities and ensuring public safety in the wake of the shooting.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, classifying it as intentional homicide by an organized gang. However, as of Saturday morning, no arrests had been made in connection with the shooting.
