Shooting at the Strasbourg Christmas market: two dead and fourteen injured

A shooting left two people dead and fourteen injured – five of whom are in a critical condition – on Tuesday evening in Strasbourg city centre, in the area around Place Kléber, very close to the traditional Christmas market. Among the victims is a soldier serving with Operation Sentinelle. The shots were fired at pedestrians at around 8 pm on Rue des Grandes Arcades. An unidentified armed man began firing indiscriminately. The Bas-Rhin Prefecture has issued a message to the public: “Events are unfolding; please remain calm and follow the instructions that will be issued. Check official channels to stay informed.” The Ministry of the Interior has confirmed: “A serious incident is currently underway in Strasbourg. Residents are advised to stay at home.” Police are going round bars, restaurants and shops open at night, directing customers to take shelter in cellars or move to upper floors. The gunman, who is on the run, has been identified and is being actively sought. Aged 29 and a native of Strasbourg, he is on the ‘S’ list. He has been wounded in the hand after a soldier from Operation Sentinelle shot him in self-defence. RAID police officers have taken up positions in the neighbourhood. The Paris anti-terrorism unit has taken charge of the investigation, confirming that this was a terrorist act.