In brief
A 39‑year‑old man suspected of opening fire from his car in Trappes and La Verrière near Paris has been taken into psychiatric observation as part of the investigation. One man died and five others were injured, with victims appearing to be targeted because of migrant origin. President Macron described the incident as a racist terrorist attack, while prosecutors noted the suspect was under psychiatric evaluation and had drug traces in his system. The suspect reportedly possessed extremist literature and had a history of convictions that were expunged. The incident has raised concerns over the use of psychiatric tools in criminal proceedings and the broader issue of hate‑based violence in France.
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 injured when an attacker opened fire from his car in Trappes and then in nearby La Verrière, apparently targeting people of migrant origin.
The suspect, 39‑year‑old Kevin T, is to be observed to evaluate whether his psychiatric health is compatible with pursuing his interrogation, the National Anti‑Terrorist Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) said.
President Emmanuel Macron called the incident a “racist terrorist attack” and said it marked a turning point for the Republic.
PNAT said the evaluation could last up to 48 hours. The suspect also had cannabis and cocaine in his bloodstream.
French newspaper Le Monde and AFP reported that a Bible, a Quran and a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf were found at the suspect’s home, citing a source close to the investigation.
The lawyer for the killed victim, Pengo Bossio Wangi, said the move to place the suspect under observation is very rare and may portray him as criminally irresponsible rather than deliberately violent.
Wangi, a 26‑year‑old French‑Congolese martial artist, was named as the sole fatality on Saturday. His club paid tribute to him, noting his leadership and generosity.
Three injured victims are in serious condition, including a 12‑year‑old girl who remains critical, while the mayor of La Verrière said the girl’s mother reported improvement.
The suspect had prior convictions that were automatically expunged. He allegedly used a semi‑automatic weapon fired in bursts from the car window.
Image source: Getty Images.
