In brief
A 39‑year‑old man who fired a single‑shot automatic weapon from his car during a weekend attack in the Paris suburbs has been placed under psychiatric observation. The man, named Kevin T in French outlets, is suspected of deliberately targeting people of migrant origin after a round of shots in Trappes and La Verrière left one dead and five injured. President Emmanuel Macron labeled the incident a "racist terrorist attack," underscoring the motivation on skin colour and religion. French prosecutors informed the public that the suspect has a history of convictions, had recently tested positive for cannabis and cocaine, and that items of religious and extremist literature were found in his house. The move to psychiatric care will determine whether he remains in custody or can be released for interrogation.
A 39‑year‑old man suspected of the deadly gun attack on the outskirts of Paris has been taken into psychiatric care by French anti‑terror police.
The incident, which took place on a Friday in Trappes and extended into nearby La Verrière, saw a driver position a handgun on his car’s windowsill and fire in bursts, killing one person and leaving five others wounded.
The National Anti‑Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) said the suspect will be observed for 48 hours under guidance from a psychiatric expert to assess his mental fitness for interrogation.
According to PNAT, the suspect's bloodstream contained cannabis and cocaine, and officials have reported that a bible, a Quran and a copy of Hitler’s Mein Kampf were found at his home.
President Emmanuel Macron called the assault a “racist terrorist attack” and stressed that the victims were targeted on the basis of skin colour and religion.
The only fatality, a 26‑year‑old French‑Congolese martial artist, was named Pengo Bossio Wangi. His mixed‑martial‑arts club released a tribute over the event.
Three other victims were taken to a hospital in serious condition, including a 12‑year‑old girl who remains critical; the city reported that her condition is improving.
PNAT revealed that the suspect had four prior convictions that were expunged, and had no link to France’s intelligence services at the time of the attack.
