Paris on Lockdown as Gunman Kills at Least One

A gunman opened fire on a police van in central Paris tonight, killing one officer and wounding at least two others before being shot dead by police. Police are searching for what may be another attacker. The incident, only days before French national elections begin on Sunday, is being considered a terrorist attack.

The attack took place at around 9 p.m. outside of 102 Champs-Élysées, a block from the local Chabad center, where a group had gathered for a Torah class on Jewish philosophy. The Chabad House and surrounding areas were put on lockdown. With chaos and the sound of wailing sirens outside, those gathered inside the Chabad House huddled around a table and continued their studies as they tried to remain calm.

In addition to the buildings on lockdown, several Metro stations were closed while police secured the area. Anti-terrorism prosecutors are opening an investigation, and President François Hollande said he was convinced it was a terrorist attack. The attacker was known to intelligence services, according to security officials.

A group of people shown studying in the Chabad House shortly before the nearby attack.