Champs-Élysées In Paris Attacked By Islamic State Group

Another terrorist attack shocked Paris as a gunman shot at police officers without warning along the Champs-élysées on Thursday evening. Champs-élysées is a well-known tourist attraction in Paris.

Travel Pulse reported that the gunman was driving an Audi and reportedly got out of the car at a traffic light and shot a parked police vehicle near the Franklin Roosevelt Metro station around 9 p.m. local time. In the ensuing battle, police officers managed to kill the assailant while trying to flee on foot but also sustained two wounded officers and one reportedly killed.

Officials initially did not comment whether or not it was a terrorist attack, but ISIS claimed responsibility after they released a statement through the Amaq Media agency, saying that the shooter was one of their own and is an Islamic State fighter, according to NBC News.

Aside from the death of one police officer, a tourist was also injured during the attack. One of the two police officers wounded was also reported to be in a grave condition.

French President Francois Hollande immediately condemned the attack and said that they are more determined to fight terrorism everywhere in France. He also expressed his condolences to the family of the killed police officer.

In the wake of the attack, The U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs posted a warning on Twitter regarding the safety of U.S. citizens in Paris. All Americans in Paris are advised to avoid the area around Champs-élysées and be extra vigilant in their surroundings. The warning said it would be also wise to report their safety to their loved ones back in the U.S. and to constantly monitor the local media through the English-language Farench Media.

France is currently in the middle of their presidential election, and the attack happening right in the middle of it came as a blow to the candidates vying for the presidential seat. French presidential candidates Marine Le Pen, Francois Fillon, and Emmanuel Macron have all tweeted their support to the law enforcers in Paris.