Paris-area shooting suspect placed under psychiatric observation
A man suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting near Paris has been released from police custody and placed under psychiatric observation, according to French anti-terrorism authorities.
One person was killed and five others injured on Friday when the suspect allegedly opened fire from his car in Trappes and nearby La Verrière, apparently targeting people of migrant origin.
The suspect, identified by French media as 39-year-old Kevin T, will undergo a psychiatric assessment to determine whether his mental condition allows investigators to continue questioning him, the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) said.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the incident as a “racist terrorist attack”, saying the victims had been targeted because of their skin colour or religion.
He called the incident a turning point in the history of the French Republic and the nation.
The PNAT said the decision to place the suspect under psychiatric evaluation followed a recommendation from a psychiatric expert. The assessment is expected to last about 48 hours and will help determine whether he can return to police custody.
Authorities also found cannabis and cocaine in the suspect’s bloodstream.
According to French newspaper Le Monde and news agency AFP, investigators discovered a Bible, a Quran and a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf at the suspect’s home. The reports cited a source close to the investigation.
The lawyer representing Pengo Bossio Wangi, the only person killed in the attack, described the decision to place the suspect under psychiatric observation as “very rare”.
The lawyer alleged that the move risked portraying the suspect as criminally irresponsible rather than someone who had acted deliberately.
Wangi, a 26-year-old French-Congolese martial artist, was identified as the fatality on Saturday.
The mixed martial arts club where he trained paid tribute to him, describing him as a respectful and generous individual who led by example and was always willing to support others. The club said his smile, energy and generosity would remain in the memories of its members.
Three of the five injured victims were taken to hospital in serious condition, including a 12-year-old girl who remains critically ill.
La Verrière Mayor Nicolas Dainville told French radio station France Info on Sunday that he had spoken by phone with the girl’s mother, who confirmed that her daughter was doing better.
He added that another injured victim was recovering, while a third remained in critical condition.
Local media reported that the suspect was known to police before the shooting but was not on the radar of French intelligence services. The PNAT had earlier disclosed that he had four previous convictions, which had automatically been expunged.
The suspect is believed to have used an old semi-automatic firearm during the attack, firing multiple rounds through his car window.
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