Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the three little children and their father murdered today in Toulouse. As well as to the families if the French paratroopers killed last week.
President Sarkozy has declared a full terrorist alert and national mourning for the seven victims killed in three separate incidents with the same weapon.
from France24.com in English:
Just four days later on Thursday, March 15, two soldiers were fatally shot in the nearby town of Montauban as they queued at a cash point. A third soldier was seriously injured and remains in hospital.
Because all the victims were Jewish or soldiers of North African or Caribbean origin, questions are being asked as to whether the killer’s actions could be racially motivated. Toulouse Mayor Pierre Cohen said “Everything leads one to believe that these were racist and anti-semmitic acts.”
Terror alert raised
Police have also confirmed that the black-clad killer used the same scooter to flee the scene of the murders on each occasion. Police sources told local media the scooter – a black Yamaha - had been stolen in Toulouse on March 6.
Dozens of anti-terrorist police from all over France have been drafted in to help the investigation and security has been stepped-up at all religious buildings across the country.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy responded on Monday by raising the terror alert to its highest level in the south west of France, and pledged to catch the killer.
A professional shooter
Despite the shootings taking place in broad daylight in front of many witnesses, the shooter made sure his face remained hidden by wearing a crash helmet. However, one witness reportedly told police she saw part of the man’s face, which bore a “tattoo-like” mark.
The cold blooded method of the killings has given detectives the impression they are dealing with an experienced and trained gunman.
“This is someone who is used to shooting guns,” a police source working on the case told La Depeche. “At Montauban he reloaded his automatic weapon without showing any sign of panic.”
Before Monday’s attack against schoolchildren, the professional nature of the soldier shootings and the fact servicemen had been targeted left investigators looking towards the ranks of the military for a possible culprit.
I just read that 3 paratroopers who were thrown out of the French Army for posing in a picture with a swastika flag are being looked at as prime suspects. One of three, anyway.
The French let them in.
Sounds more and more like Islamic Jihadism, doesn’t it?
Many thanks for this comprehensive update.
That mention of a tatoo on the face is a striking clue. Of course, the witness could be mistaken (and imagine the stress of such a scene!) Or, it could be a birthmark. Or, it could be camoflague paint. Some military types put paint on their faces - even if not needed - before an action, almost like an Apache’s warpaint.
The people of the Pyrenees are in great worry and grief about these crimes. The attacks are coming every four days. Let us pray for the police and investigators.