France Charges Man with Terrorist Enterprise for Targeting Muslims, Africans, and North Africans

Forensic investigators and police are meticulously searching for evidence following a shooting incident in Trappes, a suburb of Paris, France, on Friday, October 23, 2026. A 39-year-old man, identified as Kevin T, has been formally charged with murder and attempted murder, admitting to targeting individuals he perceived as "Muslim, African, or North African," according to French prosecutors. The anti-terrorism prosecutor's office confirmed on Thursday that Kevin T is facing charges in connection with a "terrorist" enterprise. Prosecutor Olivier Christen stated that Kevin T selected the location because it was known as a "hotbed for Islamists." Prior to Thursday, Kevin T had contested the racist nature of the attack. The incident last Friday saw one person killed and seven others injured when a man opened fire on people from his car as he drove through the towns of Trappes and La Verriere, west of Paris. He was apprehended later the same day. Among the victims, several of whom had foreign heritage, was a child. The prosecutor noted that Kevin T expressed "no regret" but claimed he did not intend to harm children, adding that he "might have been mistaken due to their size." The deceased has been identified as Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old French citizen of Congolese heritage. A search of Kevin T's residence uncovered "weapons or weapon components, specifically a magazine, two pairs of brass knuckles, a steel bayonet, and a silencer," officials reported. Authorities also discovered a copy of Adolf Hitler's book Mein Kampf, alongside a Quran, a Bible, and stickers associated with Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party. Prosecutor Christen indicated that Kevin T exhibited a "very high level of preparation" for the attack. He detailed that in September, Kevin T procured "several weapon components designed to enhance the tactical effectiveness of a Sten submachine gun, as well as a police armband and handcuffs." The suspect asserted that he was not affiliated with or a sympathizer of any political party, Christen further stated.