PARIS — A shooting in the French city of Strasbourg killed two people and wounded at least eight others, officials said. The shooting sparked a major security operation around a world-famous Christmas market on Tuesday. The gunman, who is at large, has been identified and had been flagged as a suspected extremist, officials said.
The Paris prosecutor, who is in charge of anti-terror probes in France, is heading to Strasbourg, according to a statement from his office. The prosecutor’s office said the investigation is for murder and attempted murder in relation with a terrorist enterprise.
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told reporters that the gunman has been identified, and had a police record for common crimes. He said several of the wounded were in critical condition and that he was heading to Strasbourg. “Our security and rescue services are mobilized,” Castaner said.
Local authorities tweeted for the public to “avoid the area of the police station,” which is close to the city’s Christmas market. Strasbourg’s well-known market is set up around the city’s cathedral during the Christmas period and becomes a major gathering place.
Images from the scene show police officers, police vehicles and barricades surrounding the sparkling lights of the market. Some Strasbourg residents reported on social media that they heard gunfire in some parts of the city center.
The European Parliament, which is based in Strasbourg, was on lockdown. Spokesperson Jaume Duch said that “the European Parliament has been closed and no one can leave until further notice.” It wasn’t immediately clear how many people were inside.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that “my thoughts are with the victims of the shooting… Strasbourg is like no other a city which is a symbol of peace and European democracy.”
France has been hit by several extremist attacks, including the 2015 Paris shootings, which killed 130 people and wounded hundreds, and a truck attack in Nice that killed dozens in 2016.
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe tweeted that “the situation is still underway, priority is given to security forces and rescuers.”
President Emmanuel Macron has adjourned a meeting at the presidential palace on Tuesday night to be able to monitor the events, his office said.
Strasbourg, about 310 miles east of Paris, is on the border with Germany.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
© 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.