France: Trappes shooting suspect admits he chose victims by religion and race
A gun attack on October 23, 2026 in Trappes and La Verrière near Paris killed one person and wounded seven. According to the anti-terrorism prosecutor, the 39-year-old suspect admitted deliberately targeting people who appeared Muslim or of African origin.
On Friday, October 23, 2026, a gun attack took place in the towns of Trappes and La Verrière (Yvelines department) near Paris, France. The attacker opened fire on people from a moving vehicle, killing one person and wounding seven. At a press conference on October 29, the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) said the suspect had admitted deliberately choosing victims based on their religion and race.
What happened
According to officials, the 39-year-old suspect (identified as Kevin T.) fired in bursts from a moving car using a Second World War-era "Sten"-type submachine gun. The shooting took place in Trappes and the neighbouring town of La Verrière.
The victims
The sole person killed was Pengo Bossio Wangi, 26, a French national of Congolese (DR Congo) origin. The number of wounded was initially announced as five, later revised to seven, including an 11-year-old girl. According to the prosecutor, three of the wounded were hospitalised, one in a life-threatening condition.
What the suspect admitted
According to PNAT prosecutor Olivier Christen, the suspect admitted deliberately targeting people who appeared to be Muslim, African or North African. He said he had chosen Trappes because he regarded it as "a hideout for Islamists." At the same time, the suspect denied any intent to commit a terrorist act, called his actions "legitimate," and said he felt no regret.
A premeditated attack
The prosecutor stressed the attack's "very extensive preparation." The suspect admitted premeditation and said he had fired "in bursts." From September he had bought several components to improve his weapon, as well as a police armband and handcuffs. A search of his home turned up a silencer, a bayonet, brass knuckles and self-ordered stickers bearing nationalist slogans.
The investigation
The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation into murder and attempted murder with a terrorist aggravating circumstance. Violence targeting Muslims and immigrants in France has been the subject of wide public debate in recent years.
