Clashes erupted in Paris on Friday as shocked members of the French capital’s Kurdish community demanded justice after a deadly gun attack that left three people dead at a Kurdish cultural center.
This has also prompted the French president, Emmanuel Macron, to react, who asserted through social networks that the Kurds are being attacked in a disgusting manner.
“The Kurds of France have been the target of a disgusting attack in the heart of Paris. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones,” he wrote on Twitter.
Otherwise, today residents and traders at the scene were deeply shocked by the attack, which came as Paris is full of festive activity ahead of the Christmas weekend.
The shooting happened at noon at a Kurdish cultural center, restaurant and hair salon, according to the mayor of Paris’s 10th arrondissement, Alexandra Cordebard.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, she said the “real motivation” for the shooting remains unclear.
Police cordoned off the crime scene in Paris, a busy street with many shops and restaurants near the Gare de l’Est train station.
Paris police warned people to stay away from the scene while investigations are being carried out.