Death total rises to three in Christmas market shooting in France

Three people have been killed in a shooting Tuesday near a Christmas market in Strasbourg, France, according to a report in the Associated Press. 

NBC News reported that a gunman was on the run following the shooting. The gunman has reportedly been identified and has a criminal record.

The prosecutor in Paris said they were investigating the shooting as a murder in connection to a terrorist enterprise, according to The Associated Press. Police reports Wednesday stated that three people were dead and more than a dozen were wounded, despite earlier reports indicating that four were dead. No explanation was given for the conflicting death totals.

The Paris prosecutor, who is in charge of handling anti-terror probes in the country, said in a statement that they were heading to Strasbourg.{mosads}

Witnesses and police told reporters that a gunman had fired several times in multiple locations.

“Serious public safety event under way in # Strasbourg. The inhabitants are invited to stay at home. More information to come, follow the instructions of the authorities,” tweeted France’s Interior Ministry.

Événement grave de sécurité publique en cours à #Strasbourg. Les habitants sont invités à rester chez eux. Plus d’informations à venir, suivez les consignes des autorités. pic.twitter.com/5t7offxqQ0

— Ministère de l’Intérieur – Alerte (@Beauvau_Alerte) December 11, 2018

The city’s mayor, Roland Ries, tweeted condolences to the victims Tuesday while efforts to catch the gunman were underway, urging residents to remain in their homes.

“Serious event underway in the centre of Strasbourg. In the immediate future, thank you for staying at home. My first thoughts go to the victims,” Ries tweeted.

Evénement grave en cours dans le centre de #Strasbourg.

Dans l’immédiat, merci de rester chez vous.

Mes premières pensées vont aux victimes.

— Roland Ries (@Roland_Ries) December 11, 2018

Updated: 6:42 p.m. on 12/12/2018