In brief
On Friday a driver opened fire from his vehicle in Trappes and La Verrière, killing one person and injuring five. The suspect, identified as 39‑year‑old Kevin T, was removed from police custody and placed in a specialised psychiatric unit for evaluation, a move described as rare by the suspect’s lawyer. French President Emmanuel Macron declared the attack a racist terrorist incident and called it a turning point for the nation. Investigation reveals the suspect carried a range of extremist literature and had drugs in his bloodstream. The incident has shocked the local community and reignited debate over how suspect mental health is factored in the justice process.
A driver opened fire from his vehicle on Friday in the Paris suburbs of Trappes and La Verrière, killing one person and injuring five. Police released the suspect, 39‑year‑old Kevin T, from custody and placed him in a specialised psychiatric observation unit. The move follows guidance from psychiatric experts and will last up to 48 hours as investigators evaluate his mental state.
President Emmanuel Macron described the incident as a "racist terrorist attack" that targeted people of migrant background. He called the event a turning point for the French Republic.
A psychiatric evaluation will determine whether the suspect remains in police custody. An earlier report noted the suspect had traces of cannabis and cocaine in his bloodstream. Sources close to the investigation confirm that a Bible, a Quran and a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf were found in the suspect’s home.
Lawyer for the victim, Pengo Bossio Wangi, called the decision to place the suspect under observation "very rare" and argued that it is being used to portray him as unfit for interrogation rather than recognizing deliberate criminal intent.
Wangi, a 26‑year‑old French‑Congolese martial artist, was the sole fatality. The mixed‑martial‑arts club where he trained paid tribute to him, noting his leadership and generosity.
Three of the injured were transported to hospital in serious condition, including a 12‑year‑old girl who remains in a critical state. Local mayor Nicolas Dainville reported that the girl's condition is improving, while other injured residents are recovering or remain in critical condition.
The suspect had prior convictions, which were automatically expunged before the attack. He reportedly used an old semi‑automatic weapon to fire bursts from his car window.
