Police were first called around 10pm after the man allegedly aimed a long-barrelled firearm at pedestrians from the window of his flat, threatening passers-by. The man then barricaded himself inside his home and refused to cooperate with law enforcement.
According to Metz mayor François Grosdidier, the situation escalated over several hours. At around 3am, the suspect emerged from his flat armed and began shooting. Police returned fire, critically wounding the man in the chest. His condition is considered life-threatening. A police officer was also injured after being shot in the hand.
Both the suspect and the officer were treated by emergency services and taken to hospital. The gunman died in hospital on Monday.
Authorities later seized a large number of firearms from the suspect’s home, including both handguns and rifles. Grosdidier confirmed the seizure and commended the police for their intervention.
According to regional newspaper Le Républicain Lorrain, a verbal altercation between the man and a pedestrian in the street below is believed to have triggered the confrontation.
An investigation is now underway to determine the precise circumstances and motivations behind the incident.
