France charges 39-year-old man after 15-minute suburban shooting
The suspect, identified as Kevin T, faces terrorism charges for firing a semi-automatic weapon in Trappes and La Verrière, killing one and wounding five.
By Ayanda Boateng ·
A 39-year-old French man identified as Kevin T has been charged with murder and terrorism offenses after a 15-minute shooting spree in two Paris suburbs killed one person and wounded five others. The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office stated that the case is being treated as murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. The office also opened investigations into conspiracy to prepare crimes against persons and the possession of a Category A weapon.
The attack began in Trappes, southwest of Paris, and moved to the neighboring town of La Verrière. Witnesses described the gunman driving a grey Renault Clio through several neighborhoods. He fired at a petrol station, a medical centre, and a playground in Trappes before continuing to La Verrière. According to local police, he was detained on the main road in La Verrière. Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh said the suspect fired randomly while attempting to maximize casualties.
Presidents and local officials have characterized the motive as racially targeted. Emmanuel Macron, visiting the scene, described the event as a racist terrorist attack and a turning point for the Republic. He stated that victims were selected based on skin colour or religion. The prosecutor's office has not yet confirmed the precise motive, though it noted the suspect had four previous convictions that were automatically expunged. Kevin T was known to police but not to intelligence services, and he was not listed as a serious security threat.
Three of the five injured remain in serious condition. Among them is a 12-year-old girl who suffered eight gunshot wounds and requires surgery. Her mother told broadcaster RTL that her daughter was wearing a headscarf at the time of the attack. The mother questioned whether the headwear contributed to the targeting of the child, who was born in Trappes. A member of the suspect's immediate family was also taken into custody on Friday.
The weapon used was an older-style semi-automatic firearm. Le Parisien reported that the gun dates back to World War Two. Category A classification for the weapon indicates it is military-grade or capable of firing in bursts. The investigation continues to determine the full extent of the suspect's network and planning.
