A Paris press conference revealed the racist motive behind the Trappes attack, as the suspect targeted Muslims and Africans. A large gathering is planned to honor the victims.
Attack motive confirmed by suspect
During a press conference on Thursday, October 29, in Paris, national anti-terrorism prosecutor Olivier Christen detailed statements made by Kevin Tessier, the alleged perpetrator of the October 23 attack in Trappes. Tessier admitted to targeting individuals of Muslim or African, North African descent, and chose Trappes, a commune in the Yvelines, believing it to be a refuge for Islamists. The motive, previously contested by the suspect, is now established through his own statements. Details of the attack revealed
The attack occurred on October 23, when Tessier drove his car and opened fire with a submachine gun along a route spanning about twelve kilometers, from Trappes to La Verrière. Prosecutors identified eight crime scenes and noted that 128 rounds were fired in less than twenty minutes. At the Esso station on Martin-Luther-King Boulevard, the shooter got out of his vehicle and shot at another vehicle and people present, seriously injuring a man at the store entrance. Victims and aftermath
Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old Frenchman and MMA prospect, was killed at the third crime scene. Seven others were injured, including a 12-year-old girl. Tessier was arrested at 10:20 a.m. in Coignières, and investigators found a 9 mm Sten submachine gun, magazines, a laser pointer, a knife, a tear gas canister, a pair of handcuffs, and a police armband in his vehicle. His apartment had been booby-trapped with a device intended to destroy it. On Thursday, the prosecutor indicated that three of the four seriously injured remained hospitalized, with one's vital prognosis still uncertain. Suspect's preparation and claims
Tessier, placed under investigation by an anti-terrorism judge, admitted to premeditation and firing in bursts. The prosecutor emphasized a "very thorough preparation of the criminal act," noting that Tessier had acquired weapon-enhancing elements and a police armband as early as September 3. The search of his home revealed weapons, a copy of Mein Kampf, and nationalist stickers. Tessier contested any terrorist intent, presenting his act as "legitimate." Psychiatric examinations conducted during custody did not reveal any disorder justifying hospitalization. Civil society response
The Association for the Defense Against Discrimination and Anti-Muslim Acts (ADDAM) stated that the prosecutor's revelations confirm the gravity of their alerts since the attack's inception. ADDAM emphasized the racist and anti-Muslim dimension of the attack, urging the justice system to establish all circumstances and responsibilities. The association had previously contacted the Minister of the Interior to request vigilance and security measures for places of worship. Concerns over hate and security
ADDAM expressed concern over the climate of hate and intimidation, citing online racist and anti-Muslim comments and threats directed at the mosque in Lodève. The association stressed the need for reinforced police and gendarmerie patrols around mosques, particularly during Friday prayers, and called for coordinated efforts between prefects and local religious authorities. Community tributes planned
A large gathering in Trappes is planned for Friday, October 30, at 6 p.m., on Place des Merisiers, at the call of the mayor, Ali Rabeh. Several thousand people are expected, with invitations extended by the LDH and several unions. Earlier in the afternoon, La Verrière will pay tribute to the victims in front of its town hall.
