In brief
A 39‑year‑old man accused of a drive‑by shooting in the Paris suburb of Trappes has been moved to a psychiatric facility for a 48‑hour evaluation. The attack, which hit targets perceived as migrants, resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. President Emmanuel Macron labeled the incident a racist terrorist act, while officials cited medical expertise in the decision to observe the suspect. Evidence recovered from the suspect’s home—including religious texts and a copy of Mein Kampf—adds complexity to the case.
A 39‑year‑old man named Kevin T was transferred from police custody to a psychiatric observation unit on Friday, the National Anti‑Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) announced, after a drive‑by shooting that killed one person and wounded five others in Trappes and nearby La Verrière.
The assault began in Trappes near a petrol station, where the suspect fired a semi‑automatic weapon from a vehicle, then moved to La Verrière where he continued shooting from the car’s windows. Authorities say the gunman appeared to target people of migrant origin.
The suspect’s history includes four convictions that were automatically expunged, and tests revealed cannabis and cocaine in his blood. Despite this background, PNAT said the psychiatric evaluation was guided by a specialist’s assessment of the suspect’s mental state.
The evaluation is expected to last 48 hours, during which the police will determine whether the suspect can remain in custody. If his psychiatric health is deemed incompatible with a conventional interrogation, he could face alternative legal proceedings.
President Emmanuel Macron called the incident a “racist terrorist attack,” stating that the perpetrator had targeted victims “over their skin colour or religion” and condemning it as a turning point for the nation.
The lawyer for the deceased victim, Pengo Bossio Wangi— a 26‑year‑old French‑Congolese martial artist—called the psychiatric move “very rare” and suggested authorities may be framing the suspect as irresponsible rather than acknowledging deliberate intent.
Le Monde and AFP reported that investigators found a Bible, a Quran, and a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf in the suspect’s home, hinting at extremist influences.
Three of the injured were taken to hospital with serious injuries, including a 12‑year‑old girl who was in critical condition. The mayor of La Verrière confirmed that she was improving, while other victims remained in hospitals.
Prior to the attack, the suspect had been in police records but not in the purview of France’s intelligence services. The case continues to unfold as authorities weigh psychiatric findings against possible criminal charges.
