Trappes Shooting: Suspect Admits Targeting Victims Based on Skin Colour

15:40

A deadly shooting in the Yvelines region of France has taken on a more disturbing dimension after the suspect reportedly admitted to investigators that he selected his victims according to their skin colour. The attack, which occurred on Friday, October 23, in Trappes and La Verrière, left one person dead and five others injured, including a 12-year-old girl whose condition was reported to be critical.

The suspect, identified as Kévin T., 39, is alleged to have fired an automatic weapon at several people from his vehicle. Information emerging from his initial questioning, reported by French media on Saturday, points to a possible racist motive behind the violence.

The investigation is being led by the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT), which is examining the case under several serious criminal classifications, including murder and attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise.

Victims Allegedly Selected on Racial Grounds

The fatal victim was identified as Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old French national of African origin who competed in mixed martial arts (MMA). Five other people were wounded in the shooting.

Among the injured was a 12-year-old girl who remained in critical condition on Saturday, according to the PNAT. Initial reports indicated that she may have been targeted because she was wearing a headscarf after returning from a swimming pool.

According to accounts of the suspect's questioning published by French media, including Le Monde, he acknowledged targeting people on the basis of their appearance and reportedly expressed an intention to attack Black and Arab individuals.

Investigators are also examining statements attributed to the suspect concerning a desire to retaliate for the looting of shops on October 17. Authorities will need to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the alleged motive and determine how it relates to the shootings.

Disturbing Discoveries During Searches

A search of the suspect's home in Plaisir reportedly uncovered materials that have intensified concerns about the ideological background of the attack. According to Le Monde, investigators found a copy of Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf.

Police also discovered what appeared to be a booby-trap installation involving three gas cylinders, electrical wires and a timer. The discovery has added another dimension to the investigation, as authorities seek to establish whether the device was intended to cause an explosion and whether others may have been involved.

A submachine gun identified as a Sten-type weapon was reportedly found inside the suspect's vehicle.

These discoveries are being examined as part of the broader inquiry into the preparation, execution and possible ideological motivation of the attack.

Four People Close to the Suspect Questioned

The suspect's police custody was extended on Saturday following an initial round of questioning. Four people from his family and circle of acquaintances were also taken into custody, according to the PNAT.

Their detention does not, in itself, establish their involvement in the shootings. Investigators are seeking to determine whether the suspect acted alone, whether anyone knew about his alleged plans and whether other individuals played a role in preparing the attack.

The investigation includes allegations of murder and attempted murder linked to a terrorist enterprise, with an aggravating circumstance relating to the actual or perceived origin or religion of the victims.

The classification reflects the seriousness of the allegations being examined. The final legal characterisation will depend on the evidence gathered and the subsequent judicial proceedings.

Macron Condemns What He Calls a Racist Terrorist Attack

French President Emmanuel Macron travelled to Trappes on Friday evening, where he condemned what he described as a racist terrorist attack. He also spoke of a potential turning point in the country's history.

His remarks came as the investigation began to reveal indications that the victims may have been selected because of their perceived ethnic or religious background.

The case has raised renewed concerns about the threat posed by ideologically motivated violence and the possibility that racial hatred can translate into deadly attacks against civilians.

As investigators continue their work, the immediate priorities remain establishing the full sequence of events, clarifying the suspect's intentions and determining whether the alleged targeting of victims was part of a broader plan.

With one person dead, five injured and potentially dangerous materials discovered at the suspect's residence, the investigation is examining both the human consequences of the shooting and the circumstances that may have led to it.