2018 Strasbourg attack

{{Infobox civilian attack

| title = 2018 Strasbourg attack

| partof = Islamic terrorism in Europe

| image = Le lutin de Noël (33497130176).jpg

| image_size =

| image_upright =

| alt =

| caption = {{lang|fr|Rue des Orfèvres|italic=no}} where the attack started (pictured in December 2016)

| map = {{Location map

|France

|label=Strasbourg

|mark=Green_pog.svg

|lat=48.582611

|long=7.748889

|width=230

|float=center

}}

| map_size =

| map_alt =

| map_caption =

| location = Strasbourg, France

| target =

| coordinates = {{coord|48.582611|7.748889|region:FR-67|display=inline,title}}

| date = {{start date and age|2018|12|11|df=yes}}

| time = 19:50

| timezone = (UTC+1)

| type = Mass shooting, stabbing, mass murder, Islamic terrorism

| fatalities = 6 (including perpetrator)

| injuries = 11 (4 severely)

| victims =

| perpetrator = {{langx|fr|Chérif Chekatt|italic=no|label=none}}
(killed in subsequent shootout)

| weapons = {{flat list|

}}

| motive = Jihadism

}}

On the evening of 11 December 2018, a terrorist attack{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/12/world/europe/france-strasbourg-shooting.html|title=France Declares Strasbourg Shooting an Act of Terrorism|first1=Elian|last1=Peltier|first2=Aurelien|last2=Breeden|work=The New York Times |date=12 December 2018|access-date=13 January 2019|via=NYTimes.com}} occurred in Strasbourg, France, when a man attacked civilians in the city's busy {{lang|gsw|Christkindelsmärik}} (Christmas market) with a revolver and a knife, killing five and wounding 11 before fleeing in a taxi.{{cite news |title=Strasbourg shooting: gunman was listed as potential terror threat |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/12/strasbourg-france-christmas-market-shooting-gunman-was-listed-as-potential-terror-threat |access-date=12 December 2018 |work=The Guardian |date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212123653/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/12/strasbourg-france-christmas-market-shooting-gunman-was-listed-as-potential-terror-threat |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.bas-rhin.gouv.fr/Actualites/Securite/Securite-publique/Attaque-a-Strasbourg-le-11-decembre-point-de-situation-n-6-du-13-decembre-a-12h00|title=Attaque à Strasbourg le 11 décembre : point de situation n°6 du 13 décembre à 12h00|date=13 December 2018|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214031553/http://www.bas-rhin.gouv.fr/Actualites/Securite/Securite-publique/Attaque-a-Strasbourg-le-11-decembre-point-de-situation-n-6-du-13-decembre-a-12h00|archive-date=14 December 2018|url-status=live|access-date=13 December 2018}} Authorities called the shooting an act of terrorism.{{cite news|first1=Elian|last1=Peltier|first2=Aurelien|last2=Breeden|title=France Declares Strasbourg Shooting to Be an Act of Terrorism |newspaper=The New York Times |date=12 December 2018 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/12/world/europe/france-strasbourg-shooting.html |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212160741/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/12/world/europe/france-strasbourg-shooting.html |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=Christmas market attack: France declares Strasbourg shooting an act of terrorism|newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/french-police-sought-to-arrest-suspect-ahead-of-strasbourg-christmas-market-attack/2018/12/12/5f47366e-fd95-11e8-a17e-162b712e8fc2_story.html |date=12 December 2018|access-date=14 December 2018}}

The attacker was 29-year-old {{lang|fr|Chérif Chekatt|italic=no}}, who had multiple criminal convictions and was on a security services watchlist as a suspected Islamist extremist. Chekatt was killed in a shootout with French police on the evening of 13 December after a manhunt involving 700 officers. Judicial sources said he had pledged allegiance to the terrorist organisation Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Background

{{lang|gsw|Christkindelsmärik}} is the Alsatian dialect name of the Christmas market in Strasbourg, held annually on the square in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral since 1570.{{cite news |url=https://www.humanite.fr/un-attentat-dejoue-apres-larrestation-de-7-personnes-strasbourg-et-marseille-626568 |title=Un attentat déjoué après l'arrestation de 7 personnes à Strasbourg et Marseille |work=L'Humanité |date=21 November 2016 |language=fr |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122185802/http://www.humanite.fr/un-attentat-dejoue-apres-larrestation-de-7-personnes-strasbourg-et-marseille-626568 |archive-date=22 November 2016 |url-status=live }} In 2000, a bombing plot was foiled by the French and German police when Al-Qaeda-linked operatives{{cite news | title=Christmas market attack: France declares Strasbourg shooting an act of terrorism | newspaper=Washington Post | date=12 December 2018 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/french-police-sought-to-arrest-suspect-ahead-of-strasbourg-christmas-market-attack/2018/12/12/5f47366e-fd95-11e8-a17e-162b712e8fc2_story.html | access-date=14 December 2018}} had planned to detonate pressure cookers rigged as bombs in the crowd at the {{lang|gsw|Christkindelsmärik}}. Since then, the market has been under reinforced security.{{Cite news |url=https://www.lexpress.fr/actualites/1/societe/fusillade-a-strasbourg-un-mort-et-dix-blesses-le-tireur-en-fuite_2052949.html |title=Fusillade sur le Marché de Noël de Strasbourg: deux morts et treize blessés, le tireur "identifié" en fuite |work=L'Express |language=fr |date=11 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 }} In 2016, several people were arrested in Marseille and Strasbourg for planning a terrorist attack; officials considered cancelling the Christmas market, but it was ultimately held as scheduled.{{cite news |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/article/2016/11/21/un-attentat-dejoue-apres-sept-interpellations-a-strasbourg-et-marseille_5035215_1653578.html |title=Un attentat envisagé " de longue date " déjoué en France |work=Le Monde |language=fr |date=21 November 2016 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201054149/https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/article/2016/11/21/un-attentat-dejoue-apres-sept-interpellations-a-strasbourg-et-marseille_5035215_1653578.html |archive-date=1 December 2018 |url-status=live }}

On the morning of 11 December 2018, the police raided the home of Chérif Chekatt in {{langx|de|Neudorf|italic=no|label=none}} with the intention of arresting him on suspicion of attempted murder.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/strasbourg-christmas-market-attack-france-arrests-manhunt-suspect-extremism-2018-12-12/ |title=Strasbourg shooting witnesses say Christmas market killer shouted 'Allahu Akbar' |work=CBS News |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212121641/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/strasbourg-christmas-market-attack-france-arrests-manhunt-suspect-extremism-2018-12-12/ |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }} He was not at home, but they found a stun grenade,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/13/strasbourg-attack-suspect-killed-by-police-reports-say|title=Strasbourg attack suspect killed by police|first=Kim|last=Willsher|date=13 December 2018|via=www.theguardian.com|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213214549/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/13/strasbourg-attack-suspect-killed-by-police-reports-say|archive-date=13 December 2018|url-status=live|newspaper=The Guardian}} a loaded .22 calibre rifle, four knives, and ammunition.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/11/strasbourg-shooting-in-eastern-france |title=Strasbourg Christmas market shooting: suspect on the run after three killed |work=The Guardian |date=11 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212013044/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/11/strasbourg-shooting-in-eastern-france |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first1=Foo Yun|last1=Chee|first2=Gilbert|last2= Reilhac|title=Gunman kills at least four people in French Christmas market |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-shots/gunman-kills-at-least-four-people-in-french-christmas-market-idUSKBN1OA2A8 |access-date=11 December 2018 |work=Reuters |date=11 December 2018 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46530265|title=Strasbourg gunman hunted after two killed|date=11 December 2018|publisher=BBC|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212225225/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46530265|archive-date=12 December 2018|url-status=live}}

Attack

File:Marché de Noël de Strasbourg fermé-Place Broglie-13 décembre 2018 (9).jpg

The attack started at approximately 19:50 local time (18:50 UTC){{cite web |url=http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Attaque-aux-abords-du-marche-de-Noel-de-Strasbourg |title=Attaque aux abords du marché de Noël de Strasbourg |last=Ministère de l'Intérieur |language=fr |access-date=12 December 2018}} near {{lang|fr|Place Kléber|italic=no}}, where the {{lang|gsw|Christkindelsmärik}} was being held. {{lang|fr|Chérif Chekatt|italic=no}} entered the area through {{lang|fr|Pont du Corbeau|italic=no}}, then went through {{lang|fr|Rue des Orfèvres|italic=no}}, opening fire and stabbing people in three different locations, first at {{lang|fr|Carré-d'Or (Rue des Orfèvres)|italic=no}}, then {{lang|fr|Rue des Grandes-Arcades|italic=no}}.{{cite news |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/live/2018/12/11/en-direct-fusillade-dans-le-centre-de-strasbourg-au-moins-deux-morts-et-onze-blesses_5396038_3224.html |title=Fusillade à Strasbourg, en direct: trois morts, la France en " urgence attentat " |work=Le Monde |language=fr |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212135517/https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/live/2018/12/11/en-direct-fusillade-dans-le-centre-de-strasbourg-au-moins-deux-morts-et-onze-blesses_5396038_3224.html |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }} The attack lasted ten minutes and took place in multiple streets, during which time {{lang|fr|Chekatt|italic=no}} was heard shouting "{{lang|ar-latn|Allahu akbar}}" as he attacked members of the crowd.{{cite news |first=Angelique |last=Chrisafis|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/12/strasbourg-attack-it-lasted-for-minutes-but-felt-like-hours |title=Strasbourg attack: 'It lasted for minutes, but felt like hours'|newspaper=The Guardian |date=12 December 2018|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212221239/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/12/strasbourg-attack-it-lasted-for-minutes-but-felt-like-hours|archive-date=12 December 2018|url-status=live}} He then exchanged fire with soldiers of {{lang|fr|Opération Sentinelle}}, and then with the National Police; a soldier was hit in the hand, and {{lang|fr|Chekatt|italic=no}} was shot in the arm.{{cite news |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/live/2018/12/11/en-direct-fusillade-dans-le-centre-de-strasbourg-au-moins-deux-morts-et-onze-blesses_5396038_3224.html |title=Fusillade à Strasbourg, en direct : trois morts, la France en " urgence attentat " |work=Le Monde |language=fr |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212135517/https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/live/2018/12/11/en-direct-fusillade-dans-le-centre-de-strasbourg-au-moins-deux-morts-et-onze-blesses_5396038_3224.html |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }} A 45-year-old Thai tourist was hit in the head in front of a restaurant and died, despite a passersby attempting to resuscitate him; ambulances took over 45 minutes to arrive.

{{lang|fr|Chekatt|italic=no}} then escaped in the direction of {{lang|de|Neudorf|italic=no}} and {{lang|fr|Place de l'Étoile|italic=no}}, taking a taxi cab; the driver was unharmed and reported to the police having taken an armed and wounded man. His testimony allowed the police to identify the gunman, as the man bragged about killing people and having a grenade at home.{{cite news |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/live/2018/12/12/fusillade-a-strasbourg-en-direct-trois-morts-la-france-en-urgence-attentat_5396194_1653578.html?highlight=1150233763#xtor=AL-32280258 |title=Fusillade à Strasbourg, en direct: " Le terrorisme a une nouvelle fois frappé notre territoire " |work=Le Monde |language=fr |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214164102/https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/live/2018/12/12/fusillade-a-strasbourg-en-direct-trois-morts-la-france-en-urgence-attentat_5396194_1653578.html?highlight=1150233763#xtor=AL-32280258 |archive-date=14 December 2018 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Two days after the attack, Chekatt's gun was revealed to be a Modèle 1892 revolver.{{cite web |url=https://www.lci.fr/terrorisme/cherif-chekatt-etait-arme-d-un-revolver-du-xixe-siecle-c-est-pas-parce-qu-une-arme-est-ancienne-qu-elle-n-est-pas-dangereuse-2107458.html |title=Cherif Chekatt était armé d'un revolver du XIXe siècle : "Ce n'est pas parce qu'une arme est ancienne qu'elle n'est pas dangereuse |website=LCI |language=fr |date=14 December 2018 |access-date=15 December 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/proche-orient/offensive-jihadiste-en-irak/attentat-a-strasbourg-ce-que-l-on-sait-de-l-arme-ancienne-utilisee-par-cherif-chekatt_3100625.html |title=Attentat à Strasbourg : ce que l'on sait de l'arme ancienne utilisée par Cherif Chekatt |date=14 December 2018 |website=Franceinfo |language=fr |access-date=15 December 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.franceinter.fr/justice/strasbourg-cherif-chekatt-abattu-par-les-policiers|title=Attentat de Strasbourg: Chérif Chekatt abattu par les policiers|first=Valeria |last=Emanuele|date=13 December 2018 |website=France Inter |language=fr |access-date=15 December 2018}}

Initially, 350 personnel of the security forces hunted for Chekatt, supported by air units.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bas-rhin.gouv.fr/Actualites/Securite/Securite-publique/Point-de-situation-n-4-a-03h30|title=Communiqué de presse|website=Point de situation n°4 à 03h30, Préfecture du Bas-Rhin|language=fr|access-date=11 December 2018}} Five hundred more personnel joined the next day, with a further 1,300 planned to join as reinforcements.{{cite news |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/article/2018/12/12/strasbourg-ce-que-l-on-sait-de-la-fusillade-qui-a-fait-au-moins-deux-morts_5396056_1653578.html |title=Strasbourg: ce que l'on sait de l'attentat |language=fr |date=13 December 2018 |work=Le Monde |access-date=13 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212185530/https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/article/2018/12/12/strasbourg-ce-que-l-on-sait-de-la-fusillade-qui-a-fait-au-moins-deux-morts_5396056_1653578.html |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }} The incident led to the closure of locations around the city, including the European Parliament building. Police used Twitter to relay information to the public.{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/france-terror-shooting-leaves-multiple-dead-injured-with-gunman-on-the-run-officials|title=France 'terror' shooting leaves 4 dead, multiple injured with gunman on the run: officials|last=Zwirz|first=Elizabeth|date=11 December 2018|publisher=Fox News Channel|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211225054/https://www.foxnews.com/world/france-terror-shooting-leaves-multiple-dead-injured-with-gunman-on-the-run-officials|archive-date=11 December 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/PoliceNationale/status/1072919322610335750 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213144203/https://twitter.com/PoliceNationale/status/1072919322610335750 |title=Appel à Témoins: La Police judiciaire recherche l'individu suspecté d'être le tireur du marché de Noël de Strasbourg. Aidez Nous. Attention, individu dangereux, n'intervenez pas vous-même |last=Police Nationale |date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=13 December 2018 |language=fr |publisher=Twitter |access-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/PoliceNationale/status/1072933158407016449 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213201347/https://twitter.com/PoliceNationale/status/1072933158407016449 |title=CALL FOR WITNESSES: Help the French police to find the suspect of Strasbourg Attack |last=Police Nationale |date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=13 December 2018 |publisher=Twitter |access-date=14 December 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} The French government raised their security threat level to the highest possible as the search continued, though Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet stated on {{lang|fr|Public Sénat}} that a state of emergency would not be declared for the incident. Five thousand people were stranded in a sports facility used as temporary shelter, and the European Parliament was put on lockdown. President Antonio Tajani tweeted that the European Parliament "will not be intimidated by terrorist or criminal attacks" and will "continue to work and react, strengthened by freedom and democracy against terrorist violence".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/EP_President/status/1072608132067717121|title=I express all my sorrow for the victims of the Strasbourg attacks. This Parliament will not be intimidated by terrorist or criminal attacks. Let us move on. We will continue to work and react strengthened by freedom and democracy against terrorist violence.|first=Antonio|last=Tajani|date=11 December 2018|access-date=12 December 2018}} The incident was declared an act of terrorism by French authorities.{{cite news|first1=Elian|last1=Peltier|first2=Aurelien|last2=Breeden|title=France Declares Strasbourg Shooting to Be an Act of Terrorism |newspaper=The New York Times |date=12 December 2018 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/12/world/europe/france-strasbourg-shooting.html |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212160741/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/12/world/europe/france-strasbourg-shooting.html |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live}}

Victims

Five people were killed;{{Cite web|url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2018/12/16/97001-20181216FILWWW00176-attentat-de-strasbourg-une-5e-victime-est-decedee.php|title=Attentat de Strasbourg : une cinquième victime est décédée|date=2018-12-16|website=FIGARO|access-date=2018-12-16}} two died at the scene and three others in hospital, while 11 others were injured, four critically. The first of the dead to be identified was a 45-year-old male tourist from Thailand who was shot multiple times and died at the scene.{{Cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46558432 | title=Strasbourg shooting: Who are the victims?| work=BBC News| date=14 December 2018}} He was on holiday with his wife, who was also shot, but survived.{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20181213-strasbourg-attack-shooting-cherif-chekatt-who-are-victims|title=Strasbourg shooting: Tourists and locals among the victims |language=fr |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213071713/https://www.france24.com/en/20181213-strasbourg-attack-shooting-cherif-chekatt-who-are-victims|archive-date=13 December 2018|url-status=live}} The others were a French 61-year-old former bank employee; a 45-year-old local male mechanic and Muslim originally from Afghanistan who died two days later,{{Cite web | url=https://www.euronews.com/2018/12/12/afghan-muslim-man-left-in-coma-after-strasbourg-attack-family-says | title=Afghan-Muslim man in coma after Strasbourg attack has died, family says| date=12 December 2018}} Antonio Megalizzi, a 29-year-old journalist from Italy covering the European Parliament plenary session, who died on 14 December;{{cite web |url=https://www.bfmtv.com/police-justice/attaque-de-strasbourg-qui-sont-les-victimes-1587111.html |title=Attaque de Strasbourg: qui sont les victimes? |publisher=BFMTV |language=fr |access-date=13 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213195427/https://www.bfmtv.com/police-justice/attaque-de-strasbourg-qui-sont-les-victimes-1587111.html |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.sudinfo.be/id90840/article/2018-12-13/kamal-papa-de-trois-enfants-est-la-troisieme-victime-de-lattentat-sur-le-marche|title=Kamal, papa de trois enfants, est la troisième victime de l'attentat sur le marché de Noël|work=SudInfo|language=fr|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214164415/https://www.sudinfo.be/id90840/article/2018-12-13/kamal-papa-de-trois-enfants-est-la-troisieme-victime-de-lattentat-sur-le-marche|archive-date=14 December 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://www.ilmessaggero.it/mondo/strasburgo_morti_4_antonio_megalizzi-4172735.html|title=Strasburgo, morto Antonio Megalizzi: il giornalista italiano era in coma |date=14 December 2018|via=Il Messaggero}} and Barto Pedro Orent-Niedzielski, a 36-year-old French-Polish national who died on 16 December.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46586969|title=Strasbourg Christmas market shooting: Fifth victim dies|work=BBC News |date=16 December 2018 |access-date=16 December 2018}}[http://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/economia/criptovalute/2018/12/16/-strasburgo-morto-orent-niedzielski-era-con-megalizzi-_d1954ae9-7db7-4e28-8bba-65d158d7a019.html Strasburgo, morto Orent-Niedzielski, era con Megalizzi] (ansa.it)[https://www.france24.com/en/20181216-france-strasbourg-honours-victims-christmas-market-attack-memorial Strasbourg honours victims of terror attack as death toll rises to five] (france24.com)

Attacker

{{Infobox person

| name = {{lang|fr|Chérif Chekatt|italic=no}}

| image = Chérif Chekatt.jpg

| image_size = 200

| alt =

| caption = Chérif Chekatt (photograph released by police after the attack)

| birth_name =

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1989|02|04 |df=y}}

| birth_place = Strasbourg, France

| death_date = {{Death date and age|2018|12|13|1989|02|04 |df=y}}

| death_place = Strasbourg, France

| nationality = French-Algerian

| other_names =

| occupation =

| criminal_charge =

| movement =

}}

The perpetrator was {{lang|fr|Chérif Chekatt|italic=no}} ({{IPA|fr|ʃɛʁif ʃɛkat}}),{{cite news |title=At least two dead, 11 wounded in Strasbourg shooting |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2018/1211/1016622-strasbourg-shooting/ |access-date=12 December 2018 |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212013939/https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2018/1211/1016622-strasbourg-shooting/ |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.nouvelobs.com/justice/20181211.OBS6995/fusillade-a-strasbourg-ce-que-l-on-sait-du-tireur-du-marche-de-noel.html |title=Fusillade à Strasbourg: ce que l'on sait du tireur du marché de Noël |website=L'Obs |date=11 December 2018 |language=fr |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212032010/https://www.nouvelobs.com/justice/20181211.OBS6995/fusillade-a-strasbourg-ce-que-l-on-sait-du-tireur-du-marche-de-noel.html |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }} a 29-year-old man born of a retired national French-Algerian delivery driver,{{cite news |last1=Jean Chichizola |title=Chérif Chekatt, un délinquant tombé dans l'islam radical |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2018/12/12/01016-20181212ARTFIG00276-cherif-c-un-delinquant-tombe-dans-l-islam-radical.php |access-date=13 December 2018 |work=Le Figaro |date=13 December 2018 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213022458/http://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2018/12/12/01016-20181212ARTFIG00276-cherif-c-un-delinquant-tombe-dans-l-islam-radical.php |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/12/cherif-chekkat-who-is-the-strasbourg-shooting-suspect |title=Chérif Chekatt: who is the Strasbourg shooting suspect? |last=Willsher |first=Kim |date=12 December 2018 |work=The Guardian |access-date=13 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212220619/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/12/cherif-chekkat-who-is-the-strasbourg-shooting-suspect |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }} characterised as a "hardened criminal" who "converted to rigorous Islam".{{cite news |last1=Jean-Michel Décugis |last2=Éric Pelletier |last3=Jérémie Pham-Lê |title=Attack in Strasbourg: after the death of Cherif Chekatt, the investigation is not over |url=http://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/attentat-de-strasbourg-apres-la-mort-de-cherif-chekatt-l-enquete-n-est-pas-terminee-13-12-2018-7968162.php |access-date=15 December 2018 |work=Le Parisien |date=15 December 2018 |language=fr |quote=le tueur du marché de Noël, délinquant chevronné de 29 ans, converti à un islam rigoriste}}

According to French authorities, Chekatt had been known to police since the age of 10 and he had his first criminal conviction by age 13.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/national-today-newsletter-terrorism-implant-registry-rice-1.4939071|title=By the numbers: France's battle against terror|first=Jonathon|last=Gatehouse|date=12 December 2018|publisher=CBC News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404210321/https://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/national-today-newsletter-terrorism-implant-registry-rice-1.4939071|archive-date=4 April 2019|access-date=2019-04-23}} He was known to security services for a total of 27 convictions in France, Germany, and Switzerland, arising from 67 recorded crimes in France alone.{{cite news |last1=Marc Antoine BAUDOUX |title=Le tireur présumé de Strasbourg reste introuvable, la police lance un appel à témoins |url=https://info.arte.tv/fr/afp/actualites/le-tireur-presume-de-strasbourg-reste-introuvable-la-police-lance-un-appel-temoins |access-date=13 December 2018 |work=Arte TV |date=12 December 2018 |language=fr}}{{cite news |title=Strasbourg: Chérif Chekatt abattu par la police |url=https://www.parismatch.com/Actu/Societe/Strasbourg-nouvelle-operation-a-Neudorf-1594304 |access-date=13 December 2018 |work=Paris Match |date=13 December 2018 |language=fr}} His criminal activities started with petty crime, robbery and drug dealing.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/12/cherif-chekkat-who-is-the-strasbourg-shooting-suspect|title=Chérif Chekatt: who is the Strasbourg shooting suspect?|first=Kim|last=Willsher|newspaper=The Guardian |date=12 December 2018|access-date=24 December 2018|via=www.theguardian.com}}

French police considered him a "gangster-jihadist", a term referring to people convicted of various crimes and "radicalised" in prison.{{cite news |last1=Kim Willsher |title=Chérif Chekatt: who is the Strasbourg shooting suspect? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/12/cherif-chekkat-who-is-the-strasbourg-shooting-suspect |access-date=13 December 2018 |work=The Guardian |date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212220619/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/12/cherif-chekkat-who-is-the-strasbourg-shooting-suspect |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }} Chekatt was released from prison in France in 2015, then received a prison sentence for theft in Singen, Germany and was expelled to France after his release in 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/live/2018/12/12/fusillade-a-strasbourg-en-direct-trois-morts-la-france-en-urgence-attentat_5396194_1653578.html|title=Fusillade à Strasbourg, en direct : " Le terrorisme a une nouvelle fois frappé notre territoire "|work=Le Monde|language=fr|date=12 December 2018|access-date=12 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212140554/https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/live/2018/12/12/fusillade-a-strasbourg-en-direct-trois-morts-la-france-en-urgence-attentat_5396194_1653578.html|archive-date=12 December 2018|url-status=live}}

Chekatt was tagged with a {{lang|fr|fiche "S"|italic=no}} ("State Security" file), a type of extra-judiciary document that French State Security uses to keep track of suspect individuals while not necessarily keeping surveillance on them. He was listed for his recent "religious radicalisation"{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/12/11/latest-several-injured-shots-fired-strasbourg-christmas-market/ |title=Strasbourg shooting: At least four dead, several seriously injured in attack at Christmas market |first1=Henry |last1=Samuel |first2=David |last2=Chazan |first3=Victoria |last3=Ward |date=11 December 2018 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212064206/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/12/11/latest-several-injured-shots-fired-strasbourg-christmas-market/ |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/two-dead-and-at-least-11-injured-in-christmas-market-shooting/news-story/02f85e377932d5807d8c774728a30102|title=Strasbourg Christmas market shooting: Gunman injures multiple people|website=news.com.au|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211220453/https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/two-dead-and-at-least-11-injured-in-christmas-market-shooting/news-story/02f85e377932d5807d8c774728a30102|archive-date=11 December 2018|url-status=live}} and for "Islamic extremism".{{cite news |last1=Tom Barnes |title=Chérif Chekatt: Strasbourg shooting suspect's family questioned by police as hundreds of officers hunt alleged gunman |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/strasbourg-shooting-latest-gunman-cherif-chekatt-france-search-found-at-large-family-arrested-a8680641.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/strasbourg-shooting-latest-gunman-cherif-chekatt-france-search-found-at-large-family-arrested-a8680641.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=14 December 2018 |work=The Independent |date=13 December 2018 }}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |last1=LORI HINNANT |last2=JAMEY KEATEN |title=Strasbourg suspect: From young criminal to fugitive attacker |url=https://www.apnews.com/813c30bc37ec49429e4724bb50d43674 |access-date=14 December 2018 |work=Associated Press |date=12 December 2018 }}{{cite news |last1=JACOB JARVIS |title=Strasbourg Christmas market shooting: Cherif Chekatt accused of shouting 'Allahu Akbar' ahead of attack that killed two |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/strasbourg-christmas-market-shooting-suspect-accused-of-shouting-allahu-akbar-ahead-of-attack-that-a4015931.html |access-date=14 December 2018 |work=Evening Standard |date=13 December 2018 }} Neighbours said that he seemed quite ordinary, comparing him to his more traditional brother.{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-france-security-suspect/to-neighbours-suspect-in-french-market-killings-seemed-just-a-local-boy-idUKKBN1OB257|title=To neighbours, suspect in French market killings seemed just a local boy|work=Reuters|access-date=12 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212202446/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-france-security-suspect/to-neighbours-suspect-in-french-market-killings-seemed-just-a-local-boy-idUKKBN1OB257|archive-date=12 December 2018|url-status=dead}} His German lawyer told media that "he was just an ordinary criminal. It was no special case. We didn't notice any radicalisation."{{cite news |title=Strasbourg shooting: "He was just an ordinary criminal", says suspect's former lawyer |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYdaQRJFBaY |access-date=13 December 2018 |work=France 24 English |date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212165725/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYdaQRJFBaY&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }} Secretary of State Laurent Nuñez stated that Chekatt had become a "terrorism apologist" in prison, but had not been expected to perform an attack. On the morning of the attack, local police had attempted to arrest him in relation to an attempted murder, but they could not locate him because Chekatt's father had warned him by SMS that the gendarmes were about to arrest him.{{cite web |title=Strasbourg : l'attaque de Cherif Chekatt était "préméditée" selon Le Monde |date=14 January 2019 |url=https://www.dna.fr/actualite/2019/01/14/l-attaque-de-cherif-chekatt-etait-premeditee-selon-le-monde |publisher=Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace |access-date=15 January 2019 | quote=Quant au père, Ange Chekatt, âgé de 71 ans, il a prévenu son fils, par SMS, qu'il était recherché par les gendarmes, au matin du 11 décembre, qualifiant les forces de l'ordre de "chiens". }}

Investigators subsequently concluded that Chekatt had made extensive preparations for the attack.{{cite news |title=How Cherif Chekatt prepared for the Strasbourg attack |url=https://www.nouvelobs.com/societe/terrorisme/20190114.OBS8480/comment-cherif-chekatt-a-prepare-l-attentat-de-strasbourg.html |access-date=15 January 2019 |work=L'Obs |date=14 January 2019 |language=fr |quote=Several elements confirm that Cherif Chekatt, the terrorist of the attack of Strasbourg, had prepared his attack}} He told fellow inmates in 2015 that he would "commit a robbery before departing for Syria or die a martyr",{{cite news |title=Attentat à Strasbourg : comment Cherif Chekatt a préparé pendant des mois son projet terroriste |url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/faits-divers/terrorisme/fusillade-a-strasbourg/info-france-3-attentat-a-strasbourg-comment-cherif-chekatt-a-prepare-pendant-des-mois-son-projet-terroriste_3144731.html |access-date=15 January 2019 |work=France Télévisions |date=14 January 2019 |language=fr |quote=les confidences d'un des ex-codétenus du terroriste, à qui il a confié en 2015 vouloir "commettre un braquage avant de partir en Syrie ou mourir en martyr".}}{{cite news |last1=Elise Vincent |title=L'attentat de Strasbourg était prémédité |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/article/2019/01/14/l-attentat-de-strasbourg-etait-premedite_5409040_1653578.html |access-date=15 January 2019 |work=Le Monde |date=14 January 2019 |language=fr |quote=the jihadi sought weapons for several weeks - le djihadiste cherchait des armes depuis plusieurs semaines}} and became "very interested in seeking weapons", according to a friend of the jihadist, Audrey Mondjehi.{{According to whom|date=January 2019}}{{cite news |title=Attentat de Strasbourg : Cherif Chekatt avait prémédité son attaque |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2019/01/14/97001-20190114FILWWW00332-greve-des-enseignants-a-los-angeles-500000-eleves-concernes.php |access-date=15 January 2019 |work=Le Figaro |date=14 January 2019 |language=fr |quote=Cherik Chekatt also seemed very interested in seeking weapons, according to a friend of the jihadist, Audrey Mondjehi}}

= Manhunt and Chekatt's death =

File:Fusillade de Strasbourg, intervention police route de l'hôpital Neudorf, 11 décembre 2018 - 2.jpg

An investigation was initiated for "murder and acts of terrorism in relation to a criminal enterprise". Four people close to Chekatt were detained for questioning after the shooting, namely his father, who is tagged with a {{lang|fr|fiche "S"|italic=no}} as well because of his religious fundamentalism,{{cite web |title=Le père de Chérif Chekatt témoigne : "s'il m'avait parlé de ce projet, je l'aurais dénoncé" |date=16 December 2018 |url=https://www.dna.fr/actualite/2018/12/16/le-pere-de-cherif-chekatt-temoigne-s-il-m-avait-parle-de-ce-projet-je-l-aurais-denonce |publisher=Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace |language=fr |access-date=16 December 2018}} his mother, and two of his brothers, both known for their local Salafist affiliation,{{cite news |title=Attack in Strasbourg: Cherif Chekatt still untraceable |url=http://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/attentat-de-strasbourg-cherif-chekatt-nouvel-ennemi-public-12-12-2018-7967319.php |access-date=13 December 2018 |work=Le Parisien |date=12 December 2018 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213021630/http://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/attentat-de-strasbourg-cherif-chekatt-nouvel-ennemi-public-12-12-2018-7967319.php |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=live }} and a fifth person was taken into custody on 13 December.{{cite web | first1=Darran | last1=Simon | first2=Saskya | last2=Vandoorne |title=Strasbourg shooting suspect killed by police, Paris authorities say |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/12/13/europe/france-strasbourg-shooting-manhunt/index.html |website=CNN|date=13 December 2018|access-date=14 December 2018}} A search warrant was issued in Algeria for a "very radicalised" third brother,{{cite news |last1=Elise Vincent |title=Attack in Strasbourg: how the vise tightened on Cherif Chekatt |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2018/12/14/attentat-de-strasbourg-comment-l-etau-s-est-resserre-sur-cherif-chekatt_5397355_3224.html |access-date=14 December 2018 |work=Le Monde |date=14 December 2018 |language=fr }} who has his own {{lang|fr|fiche "S"|italic=no}} record because of radicalisation and "contacts with Islamist circles in Strasbourg".{{cite news |last1=Jean Chichizola |title=Strasbourg: after the death of the terrorist, the search for possible accomplices |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2018/12/14/01016-20181214ARTFIG00282-strasbourg-apres-la-mort-du-terroriste-la-recherche-d-eventuels-complices.php |access-date=14 December 2018 |work=Le Figaro |date=14 December 2018 |language=fr }}

{{lang|fr|Chekatt|italic=no}} was still at large after the attack, and an international manhunt began. There were some initial fears that he had escaped to Germany across the Rhine.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/12/12/strasbourg-shooting-christmas-market-terror-suspect-run-killing/|title=Strasbourg Shooting: Christmas Market Terror Suspect Still On Run|date=13 December 2018|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212205604/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/12/12/strasbourg-shooting-christmas-market-terror-suspect-run-killing/|archive-date=12 December 2018|url-status=live|last1=Samuel|first1=Henry|last2=Chazan|first2=David|last3=Ward|first3=Victoria}} Immediate efforts for the manhunt included closing the city's A35 autoroute that leads to Switzerland and Germany, a coordinated security reinforcement between Strasbourg and German state police, and suspending the tramway between the city and {{lang|de|Kehl|italic=no}} in Germany. Ultimately, more than 700 officers were involved in the manhunt.{{cite news|first=Lara|last=Marlowe|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/strasbourg-attack-suspect-cherif-chekatt-has-been-killed-1.3729814|title=Strasbourg attack: Suspect Cherif Chekatt 'has been killed' |newspaper=The Irish Times|date=13 December 2018|access-date=14 December 2018}} On 12 December at 19:20 (18:20 UTC), the French National Police released a photograph of {{lang|fr|Chekatt|italic=no}} and asked for any witnesses to come forward.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/PoliceNationale/status/1072919322610335750|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213144203/https://twitter.com/PoliceNationale/status/1072919322610335750|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 December 2018|title=Appel à Témoins: La Police judiciaire recherche l'individu suspecté d'être le tireur du marché de Noël de Strasbourg. Aidez Nous. Attention, individu dangereux, n'intervenez pas vous-même|last=Police Nationale|date=12 December 2018 |language=fr}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/PoliceNationale/status/1072933158407016449|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213201347/https://twitter.com/PoliceNationale/status/1072933158407016449|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 December 2018|title=CALL FOR WITNESSES: Help the French police to find the suspect of Strasbourg Attack|last=Police Nationale|date=12 December 2018 |language=en}}

On the evening of 13 December, police found {{lang|fr|Chekatt|italic=no}} in Strasbourg between {{lang|de|Neudorf|italic=no}} and the Stade de la Meinau. He fired on officers when they tried to question him and they returned fire, killing him.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46561574 |title=Strasbourg: Christmas market attacker 'shot dead' |work=BBC News |date=13 December 2018 |access-date=13 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213232030/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46561574 |archive-date=13 December 2018 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/PoliceNat67/status/1073321570695819274 |title=Police Nationale 67 on Twitter: "#Strasbourg Fin de la traque.… " |access-date=14 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214015504/https://twitter.com/PoliceNat67/status/1073321570695819274 |archive-date=14 December 2018 }}

Soon after his death, the Islamic State claimed him as one of their "soldiers" through their propaganda outlet, Amaq.{{Cite news |url=https://www.lesoir.be/195545/article/2018-12-13/fusillade-de-strasbourg-daesh-reconnait-cherif-chekatt-comme-un-de-ses-soldats |title=Fusillade de Strasbourg: Daesh reconnaît Chérif Chekatt comme "un de ses soldats" |work=Le Soir|language=fr |access-date=13 December 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/monde/detail_cherif-chekatt-a-ete-abattu-par-la-police-a-strasbourg?id=10097640|title=Strasbourg: l'auteur de la fusillade du marché de Noël, un "soldat" de Daesh|date=13 December 2018 |work=RTBF |language=fr |access-date=13 December 2018}} Christophe Castaner, France's interior minister, dismissed the claim as "completely opportunistic".{{cite news |last1=Chrisafis |first1=Angelique |title=French authorities investigate why Strasbourg attacker wasn't stopped |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/14/police-strasbourg-attacker-accomplices-cherif-chakatt-isis |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=15 December 2018 |date=14 December 2018}} In an interview for France 2, Chekatt's father said his son had been an Islamic State supporter.{{cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/102dee9d10044c12b9974612a5c3ddfb|title=Father of Strasbourg attacker said his son backed IS group|work=Associated Press|date=16 December 2018}} Nine days after Chekatt's death, a USB key containing a video of him pledging allegiance to the Islamic State was found among his belongings, judicial sources said.{{cite news |title=Strasbourg gunman Chekatt 'pledged allegiance to IS in video' |work=BBC News |date=22 December 2018 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46660217 |access-date=22 December 2018}}{{cite news |title=Attentat de Strasbourg : une vidéo d'allégeance à l'EI retrouvée sur une clé USB de Cherif Chekatt |newspaper=Le Monde.fr |date=22 December 2018 |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/article/2018/12/22/attentat-de-strasbourg-une-video-d-allegeance-a-l-ei-retrouvee-sur-une-cle-usb-de-cherif-chekatt_5401384_1653578.html |publisher=Le Monde |access-date=22 December 2018}}

Reactions

File:Fusillade de Strasbourg 2018-Hommages dans la rue des Orfèvres (2).jpg

The leader of the {{lang|fr|Rassemblement National|italic=no}} (RN) party, Marine Le Pen, described the attack as an "Islamist massacre".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/dec/13/far-right-france-strasbourg-shootings|title=The French far right is hijacking the Strasbourg shooting to sow division - Cécile Guerin|first=Cécile|last=Guerin|date=13 December 2018|via=www.theguardian.com|newspaper=The Guardian}} Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the conservative party {{lang|fr|Les Républicains|italic=no}}, called for a strengthening of the laws.

Border controls were increased due to Strasbourg's proximity to Germany.{{cite news|first=Sean|last=Morrison|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/cherif-chekatt-strasbourg-shooting-suspect-who-escaped-arrested-in-taxi-after-killing-three-in-gun-a4014876.html|title=Cherif Chekatt named as Strasbourg gunman|newspaper=London Evening Standard|date=12 December 2018|access-date=12 December 2018}} The Christmas market was closed on the day after the attack.

=Conspiracy theories=

Conspiracy theorists and some members of the yellow vests movement, which was ongoing at the time of the attack, commented on social media that the shooting was a false flag conspiracy by the French president, to distract attention from the movement's protests. This prompted angry denials from cabinet ministers,{{who|date=January 2019}} who called the claims "disgusting".{{Cite web | url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/yellow-vests-strasbourg-conspiracy-theories-facebook | title="Yellow Vests" Are Sharing So Many Conspiracy Theories About the Strasbourg Shooting That Facebook Groups Are Locking Their Comments| website=BuzzFeed News| date=12 December 2018}}{{Cite web | url=https://www.thelocal.fr/20181212/conspiracy-theories-flood-yellow-vest-facebook-pages-in-wake-of-strasbourg-attack | title='Well played Macron': 'Yellow vest' Facebook pages flood with Strasbourg terror conspiracy theories |date=12 December 2018}}{{Cite web |url=http://en.rfi.fr/20181212-conspiracy-theories-among-yellow-vests-after-strasbourg-shooting |title=Conspiracy theories among Yellow Vests after Strasbourg shooting |date=12 December 2018 |work=RFI}}

Legal action

On 3 April 2024, a court in Paris sentenced Audrey Mondjehi to 30 years in prison for his role in providing the gun Chekatt used in the attack but acquitted him of the specific charge of complicity in the "terrorist murders", supporting Mondjehi's defence that he was unaware of where the weapon was to be used for. Two other suspects were also convicted of helping Chekatt and were sentenced to five years' imprisonment, while a third suspect was acquitted. Mondjehi expressed regret for his actions.{{Cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240404-french-court-sentences-christmas-market-attack-plotter-to-three-years-in-jail |title=French court sentences Christmas market attack plotter to three years in jail | date=5 April 2024 |work=France 24}}