In brief
A 39‑year‑old man was taken out of custody after a car‑fire shooting in Trappes, France, that left one dead and five injured, including a 12‑year‑old girl. French officials describe the incident as a “racist terrorist attack” and have placed the suspect under psychiatric observation pending evaluation. Evidence recovered from his home included religious texts and a copy of Mein Kampf, while the suspect tested positive for cannabis and cocaine. The suspect had former convictions that were expunged and had not been on intelligence watchlists.
Trappes shooting suspect placed under psychiatric observation.
French anti‑terrorism officials reported that 39‑year‑old Kevin T was taken out of police custody after a deadly car‑fire shooting in the Paris suburb of Trappes and nearby La Verrière. The attack left one person dead and five others injured, many of whom were believed to be people of migrant origin.
The National Anti‑Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office said the suspect would be observed for 48 hours to determine whether his psychiatric health is compatible with proceeding to interrogation. He is also being screened for criminal responsibility under French law.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the incident a "racist terrorist attack," adding that the victims were targeted for their skin colour or religious background. "It marks a turning point for our Republic and our nation," he said.
Evidence at Kevin T’s home included a bible, the Quran and a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf, according to Le Monde and AFP. Toxicology reports showed cannabis and cocaine in his bloodstream.
The suspect had four prior convictions that were automatically expunged and was not known to French intelligence services, prosecutors said. He is believed to have used an old semi‑automatic weapon, firing in bursts from his car’s window.
The law‑enforcers’ actions followed statements from the lawyer of Pengo Bossio Wangi, the 26‑year‑old French‑Congolese martial artist who was the sole fatality. The lawyer said the psychiatric assessment was rare and portrayed the suspect as criminally irresponsible rather than deliberate.
Wangi’s mixed‑martial‑arts club paid tribute to him: "On the mats and off them, he led by example. His smile, energy and generosity will remain etched in our walls and in our hearts."
Three of those injured were taken to hospital in serious condition, including a 12‑year‑old girl who is in a critical state. Mayor Nicolas Dainville told France Info that the girl was "doing better" after a phone conversation with her mother.
The suspect had been known to the police before the attack but not to national intelligence, and his prior convictions were noted as having been expunged. He allegedly used an old semi‑automatic gun to shoot from his vehicle.
Photos from the scene show forensic officers examining the petrol station site where the first burst of gunfire occurred.
