Terrorist attack in Paris, 1 police officer killed

A terrorist attack occurred in the center of the French capital Paris last night, April 20, local time, killing one police officer and seriously injuring two others. The self-proclaimed Islamic State organization has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Attack through witness testimony

Badi Ftaiti, a resident of Paris, said that at the time of the attack, he saw pedestrians running in panic, shouting: "Run, run" and some even cried.

Another witness said: "I walked out of the Sephora store and walked down the sidewalk. At that time, I saw a man jump out of a car and shoot at the police. I heard a total of six shots. He shot directly at a police officer."

The witness added: "There were about 50 people in the shop at the time, mostly foreign tourists. They didn't understand what was happening. I thought it was a terrorist attack. He took out a Kalashnikov and started shooting, but he didn't shoot at the people walking on the sidewalk, he only aimed at the police."

IS claims responsibility

The attack comes just days before the French presidential election. French Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said it was too early to determine the motive for the attack, but it was clear that it had targeted police officers. French President Francois Hollande said it was clear that it was a terrorist attack. Mr Hollande is expected to chair an emergency security meeting today.

Meanwhile, the Islamic State (IS) organization, through its own media channel Amaq, has claimed responsibility and said the gunman was a fighter of the organization named Abu Yousif the Belgian. Francois Molins, the Paris prosecutor, told reporters that city officials have identified the attacker but have not yet announced it.

Paris has tightened security after the shooting. Photo: Reuters

Pedestrians had to raise their hands as they approached police shortly after the attack. Photo: Reuters

France has remained on high alert since the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015. Illustration photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

1 police officer killed, 2 injured

The shooting happened on the Champs-Elysées avenue. Photo: Reuters

According toReuters,The attack took place at around 9pm last night on the Champs-Elysées in central Paris. A man driving a van suddenly stopped, jumped out of the vehicle and opened fire on a police car, killing one police officer and seriously injuring two others. The gunman was killed shortly afterwards. Police suspect that another suspect involved in the attack is still on the run.

The scene immediately after the attack. Photo: RT

The Champs-Elysées is a boulevard that runs across the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle, where the Arc de Triomphe is located. It is a busy area with many theaters and fancy restaurants.

According to Dan Tri