Fatal terror attack: Champs-Elysees in Paris

The Islamic State (ISIS) is claiming responsibility for the attack that took place at the famous tourist spot, Champs-Elysees in Paris, France. A gunman shot a police officer dead at the scene, and two police officers also at the location shot and killed the attacker. Two other police officers and a bystander were also injured.

Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet told BFM television that the terrorist stepped from a car near the Franklin Roosevelt subway station and opened fire on a police vehicle. A witness told Reuters that the attacker used a machine gun.

The Islamic State reported through its Amaq news agency that the attacker was Abu Yusuf al-Beljiki, which was confirmed by the US organization that monitors terrorists’ activity online, SITE Intel Group.

French President Francois Hollande said he is convinced this was an act of terrorism. This attack occurs just days before the country’s presidential election taking place on Sunday. Security has been high due to the upcoming election, and France continues to be under a state of emergency that was declared after the November 2015 terrorist attack that took 130 lives.

French presidential candidate Francois Fillon has canceled his campaign events that were scheduled for this Friday and the National Front candidate, Marine Le Pen, has also cancelled her planned events. Fillon is calling for the election campaign to be suspended altogether.

Roads to the heart of the French capital and Arc de Triomphe have been blocked off by police, and it is recommended that people avoid the area altogether.