PARIS—Three people were killed and three injured after a gunman opened fire in and around a Kurdish cultural center in the heart of the French capital, officials said, putting the city on edge two days before Christmas.

A 69-year-old male suspect, who officials said had previously been accused of anti-immigrant violence, was detained by police and taken to a hospital following the shooting, the officials said. The suspect is being held on suspicion of murder, voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, they added.