UPDATE – Paris gunman's motivations 'remain unknown': Interior minister

UPDATES WITH REMARKS FROM INTERIOR MINISTER; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – The motivations for Friday’s mass shooting in Paris remain unknown, according to France’s interior minister.

A 69-year-old gunman opened fire in the French capital on Friday, killing at least three people and injuring three others, local media reported. He was placed in custody after he fired gunshots on Enghien Street in the city center.

Visiting the site of the shooting, Gerald Darmanin said the motivations for the attack remain unknown.

He added that the gunman was not previously known by intelligence officials for membership in ultra-right wing groups or extremism.

The suspect "obviously" acted alone, Darmanin also said. He will testify soon after his treatment in the hospital, he added.

Darmanin also said an official investigation will help shed light on the incident.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, who visited the scene earlier, said the suspect carried out two attacks in the past, including one against people staying in tents in Paris. He was recently released.

An investigation has been launched into homicide, attempted homicide, and deliberate acts of armed violence, Beccuau added.

Suspected racist motivations behind the attack will be investigated, she also said.