Policeman Killed in Paris Attack Emerging as a Hero

Policeman Killed in Paris Attack Emerging as a Hero

Many Have Assumed the Officer, Ahmed Merabet, Was a Muslim

By Jason Chow and Sam Schechner in the Wall Street Journal

PARIS— Ahmed Merabet, the 40-year-old policeman whose killing was caught on video, is emerging from the attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine as a heroic figure.

Mr. Merabet, a Frenchman who many assume is a Muslim based on his name, died at the hands of terrorists targeting a satirical magazine because of its frequent lampooning of Islam.

His ethnic origins and religious faith are helping to define his legacy, even as they remain difficult to confirm.

A Paris police representative gave no details about Mr. Merabet, saying the family doesn’t want the media attention. The police union that represents him wouldn’t comment on his religion, as France’s government institutions are staunchly secular.

Ahmed Merabet was one of three policemen who drove to the scene of the attack in Paris on Wednesday in an attempt to block the fleeing gunmen.

Calls to his sister weren’t returned. An attempt via social media to reach a woman who described herself as his cousin wasn’t successful.

On the social-media site Twitter, the hashtag #JeSuisAhmed—or I am Ahmed—was gaining popularity as an homage to the slain officer.

Mr. Merabet was one of three policemen who drove to the scene of the attack in Paris on Wednesday in an attempt to block the gunmen who were fleeing the magazine offices. He got out of the car and approached the suspects. He drew his gun and shot at the gunmen, then was injured in the lower abdomen in the ensuing firefight.

In a chilling video taken by an observer from a nearby rooftop, one of the gunmen walked toward the injured Mr. Merabet, who was reeling on the ground.

“You wanted to kill us,” said the masked gunman.

“No, we’re good, boss,” replied Mr. Merabet, raising his hands to show he wasn’t holding a weapon. The gunman then shot Mr. Merabet in the head at close range before fleeing with his accomplice in a car. Mr. Merabet was one of 12 victims of the attack.

Mr. Merabet lived in Livry-Gargan, a quiet suburb northeast of Paris, in a house very close to his sister’s apartment, neighbors said. He was single, never married, and had no children.

The Merabets came from an Algerian family, but grew up in the Paris region, said Chantal Ribiero, who has lived for several years in the same building as Mr. Merabet’s sister, Nabiha, a nurse.

“I only met him once or twice, but he was always very friendly,” said Ms. Ribiero, 58.

Rocco Contento, a spokesman for Unite SGP police union who considered Mr. Merabet “a very good friend,” said the police officer worked in the 11th arrondissement for the past eight years and served as a union steward for a few years.

“He was always smiling, talked little, always listened, but always was first to help,” said Mr. Contento. “I saw the video and I was very shocked,” he added. “I was overcome with emotion. It was an execution. He was helpless on the ground. To die in this manner is so horrible.”He added, “He was a very good, very courageous policeman. He deserves to be honored.”