National Rally sues Le Monde over report

The National Rally, a French political party, announced on October 27 that it was taking legal action against the newspaper Le Monde for defamation. This followed Le Monde's report that leaflets from the National Rally were found in the car of Kevin T., the suspect in the Trappes attack.

RN accuses Le Monde of damaging its image

In a statement published on October 27, the National Rally accused Le Monde of participating in an "operation aimed at damaging" its reputation. The party claimed the newspaper spread "unfounded" and "false" information about Kevin T., the suspect in the attack that resulted in one death and multiple injuries.

Le Monde's initial report and its retraction

Le Monde first reported on Sunday that leaflets from the National Rally were found in Kevin T.'s car, citing a "source close to the investigation." This information was widely reported but later denied by the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office (Pnat). During a press conference on Monday, prosecutor Olivier Christen stated that no political party leaflets had been found in the suspect's vehicle.

National Rally condemns political misinformation

The National Rally criticized the political class for spreading what it called a lie to serve electoral interests. The party vowed to oppose any attempt to hold it responsible for the Trappes attack, which it described as an abhorrent act.

Investigation into terrorism and hate crime

An investigation into "murder and attempted murder related to a terrorist organization" has been launched, with the added aggravating factor of the suspect's alleged motivation being based on "the true or alleged membership of a supposed race, ethnicity, nation, or religion." Kevin T.'s detention was temporarily paused due to his mental health but was resumed on Monday and may continue until Thursday.