In brief
A gunman drove through Trappes and La Verrière, killing one and wounding five, many victims of migrant background. The suspect, 39‑year‑old Kevin T, has been released for psychiatric observation in a move to evaluate his fitness for interrogation. President Emmanuel Macron labeled the attack a “racist terrorist attack,” citing targets chosen for skin colour or religion. Toxicology tests revealed cannabis and cocaine, and investigators found a Bible, a Quran and a copy of Mein Kampf at the suspect’s home. The assault has sparked national debate on security and mental health screening of potential offenders.
An eyewitness near the petrol station in Trappes reports that a gunman drove through the area, opening fire from his car before moving on to La Verrière, killing one person and wounding five others, many of whom were identified as people of migrant background.
The National Anti‑Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) said the 39‑year‑old suspect, known publicly as Kevin T, has now been released for psychiatric observation so experts can assess whether he is mentally fit to face interrogation.
President Emmanuel Macron immediately classified the attack as a “racist terrorist attack,” stressing that the killer targeted victims “over their skin colour or religion”.
The PNAT added that the observation will last roughly 48 hours and that toxicology tests showed cannabis and cocaine in the suspect’s blood.
Investigators also uncovered a Bible, a Quran and a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf at the suspect’s home, according to a report from Le Monde and AFP.
The lone fatality, 26‑year‑old French‑Congolese martial artist Pengo Bossio Wangi, was remembered by his mixed‑martial‑arts club, which described him as “one of those who lead by example”.
Three of the wounded were brought to hospital in serious condition, including a 12‑year‑old girl who remains critical but reportedly improving, the mayor of La Verrière said to France Info.
Police confirmed that Kevin T had previously been known to authorities and held four earlier convictions that had been automatically expunged; he was not on France’s intelligence registers.
Authorities say the attacker used an old semi‑automatic weapon, firing in bursts from the car’s windows while driving through the towns.
