Suspected Strasbourg Gunman Shot Dead by French Police

A 29-year-old man suspected of opening fire on Christmas shoppers at a popular holiday market in France earlier this week was shot dead by the French police on Thursday, 13 December.

Cherif Chekatt – a Strasbourg-born man and suspected extremist with a criminal history – was the alleged perpetrator behind the shooting that took place in the northeastern city on Tuesday, 11 December.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which left three people dead and at least 11 people injured.

A manhunt for the missing Chekatt was launched, and his picture was released to the public in a bid to narrow down the search.

According to Interior minister, Christophe Castaner, three police officers tried to question Chekatt in Strasbourg’s Neudorf area, which had been sealed off after a woman alerted the authorities when she spotted a man fitting Chekatt’s description.

Castaner explained: “At the moment [Chekatt] was stopped, the individual turned to face police and opened fire. Police responded and neutralised the gunman.”

Five people, including Chekatt’s parents and two of his brothers, have been arrested in connection with the investigation.