Moroccan gunman on train to Paris suspected of being radical Islamist

Published August 22nd, 2015 - 12:16 GMT
Officials inspect the train following the attack. (AFP/Philippe Huguen)
Officials inspect the train following the attack. (AFP/Philippe Huguen)

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said Saturday that the gunman on a train traveling from Amsterdam to Paris is believed to be a "radical Islamist" from Morocco, though his identity is not yet confirmed, reported The Daily Star.

Spanish officials reportedly flagged the 26-year old man to French intelligence. 

The gunman opened fire onboard the train, injuring three passengers as it crossed through Belgium on Friday afternoon. Several passengers, including three Americans and a Briton intervened and seized the man's kalashnikov. The White House praised them for bravely preventing what could have been a "far worse tragedy."

The counter-terrorist department of the Paris prosecutor's office is investigating the attack.

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