Shooting in Trappes and La Verrière

A 39-year-old man was arrested on Friday, October 23, following a shooting in Trappes and La Verrière (Yvelines) that left one person dead and four others injured, including a 12-year-old girl. The attack occurred at multiple locations, beginning at a bus stop and continuing at a pharmacy and other sites.

Investigation underway

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (Pnat) has taken charge of the case and opened an investigation in flagrante delicto, meaning the suspect was caught in the act. Initial findings indicate the suspect, Kevin T., used an automatic weapon of category A, which is illegal to possess or acquire.

Attack locations and casualties

The attack began around 10:30 am at a bus stop located at Place Van Gogh in Trappes and continued with shootings at Square Louis Pergaud and in front of the Esso gas station on Rue Martin Luther King. Two people were injured, one of whom died. The suspect then traveled to La Verrière, where he fired at a pharmacy and on Rue Marcel Rivière, injuring three others, including the 12-year-old girl who was hit eight times.

Arrest and weapons found

Kevin T. was arrested in Coignières, still in the Yvelines, by agents of the Anti-Criminality Brigade (BAC). At his home, authorities discovered that his apartment was booby-trapped with three gas cylinders connected to electric wires linked to a timer. Inside his vehicle, police found "a Sten submachine gun, and a tear gas bomb."

Suspect's background and possible motives

The suspect is not listed in the S file but had four previous convictions for common law offenses. He was born in Saint-Cyr-l'Ecole, in the Yvelines, and lived in Plaisir, a commune bordering Trappes. Investigators found a copy of Mein Kampf in his apartment, along with a Bible and a Koran. This discovery has led to speculation about a possible racist motive.

Mayor's comments and legal proceedings

The mayor of Trappes, Ali Rabeh, noted that the two victims in Trappes had particular profiles, with the deceased being of African origin and the person in critical condition of Maghreb origin. However, he emphasized that he wanted to avoid making definitive statements. The Pnat has opened an investigation with charges of "murder" and "attempted murder related to a terrorist organization, with the circumstance that the acts were committed because of the true or supposed membership of a particular race, ethnicity, nation, or religion."

Arrest custody and toxicology results

Following his arrest, Kevin T. was initially placed in custody, but this measure was lifted on Sunday at the request of a psychiatric expert. He was taken to the Psychiatric Infirmary of the police prefecture for observation, which could last up to 48 hours. Toxicological analyses revealed the presence of cannabis and cocaine in his blood.

Suspect's associates in custody

Three members of Kevin T.'s circle, including his mother, were also placed in custody on Saturday, and their interrogations continued on Sunday. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the possible motives and connections of the suspect and his associates.