Suspect in Paris Suburb Shooting Targeted Muslims and Africans, Prosecutors Say
A 26-year-old martial artist was killed and seven others injured in the attack, which authorities are investigating as a terrorist act.
The man suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting near Paris last week has admitted to targeting individuals of "Muslim, African or North African" appearance, according to prosecutors.
The attack occurred last Friday when a gunman opened fire from a vehicle as he drove through Trappes and the nearby town of La Verrière, located in the western suburbs of Paris. A 26-year-old French-Congolese martial artist, Pengo Bossio Wangi, was killed in the incident, and seven other people, including a child, were injured. As of Thursday, three of the wounded remained hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
The suspect, identified in French media as 39-year-old Kevin T., has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise by the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office (PNAT).
Prosecutors stated that Kevin T. chose Trappes and La Verrière because he perceived them as "hotbeds for Islamists." However, he has reportedly denied any "terrorist intent," asserting that his actions were "legitimate" and expressing no regret.
Authorities discovered "weapons or weapon components" at the suspect's residence, along with books including the Quran and the Bible, and Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf." Stickers celebrating the hard-right National Rally (RN) party were also found.
Kevin T. told investigators that he designed some of the stickers, featuring slogans such as "long live France, RN, proud to be French," and had them printed over a year ago. He also stated that he is not a member or supporter of any political party.
President Emmanuel Macron has labeled the attack a "racist terrorist act," and anti-racism demonstrations have been organized across France. Macron commented on Wednesday that "certain political movements on the far right," including the RN and associated groups, have contributed to a climate where racism can take root.
Responding to Macron's remarks, Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a prominent RN lawmaker, suggested that the president himself had enabled "hateful ideologies" to proliferate. France's presidential election is scheduled in six months, with RN leader Marine Le Pen currently leading in opinion polls.