Trappes attack suspect admits deliberately targeting Muslims and Africans — French prosecutor
The suspect in a shooting near Paris that killed one person had initially denied a racist motive; he now admits targeting people who appeared Muslim, African or North African, and that the attack was premeditated.
The suspect in a shooting in the Paris suburbs of Trappes and La Verrière has admitted deliberately targeting people who appeared to be Muslim, African or North African. France's national anti-terrorism prosecutor, Olivier Christen, announced this on 29 October 2026.
What happened
The attack took place on 23 October. Pengo Bossio Wangi, 26, was killed; initial reports said five people were wounded, later accounts put the figure at up to seven, including an 11-year-old girl whose life is no longer in danger.
What the suspect admitted
The 39-year-old suspect had previously denied a racist motive. According to prosecutor Olivier Christen, he has now admitted that the attack was premeditated and that he deliberately targeted people who appeared Muslim, African or North African. He described Trappes as a 'hotbed of Islamists.' At the same time, he denied any terrorist intent, called his actions 'legitimate,' expressed no regret according to the prosecutor, and said he had not intended to kill children.
Next step
The prosecutor requested that the suspect be placed in pretrial detention, with an appearance before a judge scheduled. The case is being handled by France's national anti-terrorism prosecution office (PNAT).
