Manhunt Continues For French Christmas Market Gunman

Soldiers patrol near the Christmas market where, yesterday, a man shot 14 people, killing at least three

French authorities are continuing their massive manhunt for the gunman who opened fire on a Christmas market in Strasbourg on Tuesday (December 11) night, killing three people and leaving 12 others injured. In response to the attack, which French officials have said is an act of terrorism, the government raised the risk level to the highest category. 

The shooter, who has been identified as 29-year-old Cherif Chekatt, opened fire in three separate areas of the city before engaging with police officers. He was wounded during the firefight but managed to get into a taxi and escape. Officials said that he may have fled to Germany and they have bolstered the forces around the border. 

Authorities added that Chekatt spent time in a German prison on charges of theft and was released in 2017. They said he was on a terror watchlist before the shooting. Police stated they attempted to arrest him at his home prior to the shooting on unrelated charges of armed robbery but he was not there. They have not explained if that arrest attempt had anything to do with his decision to attack the historic Christmas Market. 

Police said they have made five arrests in connection with the attack. 

Photo: Getty Images 


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