Champs-Élysées Attack In Paris: President Trump Says It's A 'Terrible Thing'

WASHINGTON, DC — An attacker and one police officer were killed in a shooting in Paris on Thursday night, in an incident that cleared part of the Champs-Élysées, according to police. Officials said the shooter had an automatic weapon, and they believe the intent was to target police officers.

At a press conference with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, President Trump said the attack was a "terrible thing." He said he believed the attack was an act of terrorism, though according to CNN, Police Secretary Yvan Assioma said there were "no theories" about whether the shooter committed a criminal act or a terrorist attack. Trump continued, "What can you say? It just never ends."

A CNN affiliate said that anti-terror agencies were running the investigation into the incident. Later, ISIS claimed credit for the attack, according to the Washington Post.

According to multiple reports, the attacker stopped a car in front of a police van on the Champs-Élysées, pulled out a gun and began firing. Police exchanged fire with the shooter. In addition to the death of the shooter and the cop, another officer and a passerby were injured, according to initial reports.

Photo credit: Angel Escartin Casas