France is mourning after a mass shooting in an extremely popular street market. On December 11th, a shooter opened fire on the Strasbourg Christmas Street Market, killing three and injuring upwards of ten. The suspect was a 29-year old male by the name of Cherif Chekatt. Chekatt was identified by the Paris prosecutor’s office, which investigates terrorism cases in France. Chekatt was a local to the area, but the Strasbourg-born man had a lengthy criminal record and spent time in both German and French jails; he is also known for acts of radicalism and minor terrorism.

The streets of France swarmed with hundreds of policemen and soldiers for hours on end, their combined effort with hopes of the finding Chekatt. Finally, two days later, the long manhunt came to an swift end when three policemen caught sight of a man walking that looked like Chekatt. When confronted the man fired at the police; they returned fire, shooting and killing the man, who was later identified as Chekatt. 

Days later, some sources believe Chekatt had partners to carry out this terrible deed. Four of Chekatts’ family members and one other anonymous person have been detained by police. The Christmas market has reopened just two days after the attack with hopes to boost morale and keep others in the mood for the upcoming holiday much of us enjoy, but the memory is still a heavy one. Through the mourning, French President Emmanuel Macron made it a point to visit the market. President Macron offered sincere condolences to families and thanks to the brave policemen and soldiers. As the story has started to bloom, sources have learned that the total number of suspected accomplices detained is up to seven.