A gunman killed five people, including two migrants and two security guards, in a horrific shooting spree near a refugee camp in northern France on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
The bloodshed unfolded near the Loon-Plage refugee camp close to Dunkirk, an area often used by migrants attempting to cross the Channel to the UK. The suspect, a 22-year-old French national, later turned himself in to police, confessing to all five murders.
The Rampage
The attack began around 4 PM in Wormhout, approximately 15 miles inland from Dunkirk. The gunman reportedly shot and killed a 29-year-old public transport manager in front of his family at a farmhouse.
The suspect then traveled to Loon-Plage, where he targeted two Iraqi Kurdish migrants near an oil refinery, shooting both in the head.
Shortly after, the gunman reportedly stopped a vehicle carrying two security guards from Eamus Cork Security, a company safeguarding Dunkirk Port. He persuaded the guards to exit their vehicle before fatally shooting them in the same manner.
At around 5 PM, the gunman drove to a police station in Ghyvelde, where he surrendered and admitted to the killings.
Investigative Findings
Police have described the killings as “precise and calculated,” with the gunman reportedly demonstrating significant firearms expertise. Upon searching his car, authorities discovered multiple weapons in the boot.
The suspect, previously unknown to authorities, acted alone, according to initial reports. However, soldiers and emergency responders were deployed to the area amid concerns of possible accomplices.
Community Shock
The mayors of the affected towns expressed disbelief at the tragedy. Eric Rommel, Mayor of Loon-Plage, said:
“I am stunned by what has happened. I cannot understand how this could have happened.”
David Calcoen, Mayor of Wormhout, added:
“This has devastated our community. It is a tragedy we will not forget.”
Violence in the Migrant Camps
The Loon-Plage camp, which houses hundreds of migrants in makeshift tents, has been the site of previous violence, often linked to people smuggling operations. Migrants in the camp have reported escalating gun and knife violence as smugglers vie for control of the illegal trade in asylum-seekers crossing to the UK.
Ongoing Investigation
The identities of the victims and the suspect have not been released. Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the killings and are continuing their investigation.
By 7 PM, the area was swarmed with police, emergency services, and military personnel, and roadblocks were established to secure the region.
