Still from Paris' tourism film by Jalil Lespert
According to multiple sources, shots have been fired near Paris’ Champs Elysees Avenue.
Paris famed high street is dotted with luxury and mass market boutiques, cafes, tourist shops and is a main tourist draw for international visitors to the French capital city. France relies heavily on tourism and foreign luxury sales for its economy, which has all suffered to the tensions of political and social unrest in the European country.
Je suis Paris
Reuters reports that two policeman were shot and killed by an assailant during an incident on the night of April 20. The shooting is said to have occurred near a Marks and Spencers store.
Paris’ police force said there are likely to be two assailants. Witnesses told police that one man began shooting a machine gun once he exited a vehicle.
The assailant has been killed by police, but the investigation continues to determine if he executed the attack alone or with an accomplice.
Police are encouraging residents and visitors to avoid the Champs Elysees until further notice and have closed the high street for the time being.
Although shops were closed, or about to close, for the night during the time of the shooting, it is likely that the on-going investigation will extend into the morning, which may impact sales in the following days.
The event on Champs Elysees comes three days before French citizens head to the polls April 23 to vote for their next president.
France has been subject to a number of terrorist-related attacks since 2015.
On Nov. 13, 2015 terrorists coordinated five attacks in Paris. The assault on three cafes, the Bataclan concert hall and the Stade de France stadium resulted in the deaths of 129 persons and wounded 350 others, many of whom are listed as critical as of press time. The events are the worst acts of violence on French soil since World War II.
In response to the terrorist attacks in Paris, luxury brands took to social media to show unity in the face of tragedy (see story).
On the night of July 14, 2016 a man drove a truck through a crowd gathered in a promenade for a fireworks display celebrating Bastille Day. Mourning the dead and showing hope for a more peaceful world, luxury brands shared their thoughts using the hashtag #JeSuisNice (see story).