In brief
A deadly shooting outside Paris left one dead and five injured. The suspect, 39 years old, was placed under psychiatric observation following a military investigation. President Macron called the act a racist terrorist attack. The suspect has a history of convictions and was found with cannabis and cocaine in his blood. First responders and survivors face ongoing challenges.
A man suspected of a deadly gun attack near Paris has left custody and been placed under psychiatric observation, French anti‑terrorism officials said.
One person was killed and five others wounded when an attacker opened fire from his vehicle first in Trappes and then in nearby La Verrière, targeting people of migrant origin.
The suspect, identified by French media as 39‑year‑old Kevin T, is being evaluated for ‘psychiatric fitness to interrogate’ by the National Anti‑Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office.
Presidential spokesman described the incident as a racist terrorist attack, with victims targeted for their skin colour or religion.
The suspect tested positive for cannabis and cocaine and police found a Bible, a Quran and a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf in his home.
The move to place the suspect under psychiatric observation is rare, a lawyer for the victim said, suggesting it frames him as irresponsible rather than deliberate.
Three of the injured are in serious condition, including a 12‑year‑old girl who is in critical condition; the mayor of La Verrière reported that she had improved the following day.
The suspect had four previous convictions that were automatically expunged, and he used an old semi‑automatic weapon during the attack.
