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France is facing a fresh security crisis immediately before another planned day of nationwide protests, after a gunman opened fire at several locations in suburbs west of Paris. Authorities say one person was killed and four others wounded after shots were fired in Trappes and neighbouring La Verrière. A suspect was arrested shortly afterwards. France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office is examining the case, including whether victims were targeted because of their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, nationality or religion. The motive remains under investigation. The timing adds another challenge for French security forces as authorities prepare for fresh demonstrations following recent unrest involving clashes, burning barricades, looting and arrests. France was already preparing an expanded security deployment for the protests. Now police must simultaneously deal with that mobilisation and the investigation into a deadly shooting on the outskirts of the capital.