Racist attack in Trappes sparks large gathering

A week after a racist attack in Trappes, thousands of people gathered on October 30 on the Place des Merisiers to honor Pengo Bossio Wangi, 26, who was killed, and the seven others injured, including an 11-year-old girl severely wounded in La Verrière. Organizers reported around 12,000 attendees, including residents of Trappes and people from other areas in Île-de-France.

Emotions range from solidarity to fear

Participants displayed French flags and signs reading "On ne naît pas raciste, on le devient." Discussions among attendees ranged from solidarity and anger to fear, as many expressed concerns about the impact of the attack on their daily lives. One resident said, "I am here because I am afraid," adding that she now constantly checks her surroundings and is wary of suspicious noises.

Residents reject stigmatization of their city

Some residents expressed anger over the stigmatization Trappes regularly faces, with one defending the city's image, stating, "The vision of our city is completely wrong." She refused to change her habits, saying, "I am not afraid, there is no reason for me to change my lifestyle for a lunatic."

Deputy mayor and experts call for unity

Aminata Diallo, the deputy mayor, opened the event by calling for solidarity and mutual support. Politologist Rachid Benzine, who grew up in Trappes, also spoke, while Aïssetou Diawara, a nurse in Trappes, criticized the stigmatization of working-class neighborhoods and people of Arab and Black descent.

Criticism of far-right rhetoric and political figures

The mayor of Trappes, Ali Rabeh, called for legislation to criminalize the "great replacement" theory and criticized the political responsibility of the National Rally, citing the discovery of stickers supporting the party at the attacker's residence. He referenced statements by Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen linking immigration to terrorism and called on lawmakers to legislate against such rhetoric.

Participants accuse media of promoting racism

Participants also expressed anger towards media outlets, with one resident accusing them of having "blood on their hands." Criticisms were directed at CNews for normalizing racist discourse and stigmatizing Arab and Black populations. Some participants claimed that far-right rhetoric, once confined to the margins, now holds central roles in public discourse.

Victim files complaint against political figures

A victim of the attack filed a complaint against Marine Le Pen, Jordan Bardella, and CNews for their alleged role in preparing the crime through their statements. The victim argued that Le Pen's statements "reinforced" the attacker's decision to act and criticized CNews for portraying Black, Maghreb, and Muslim individuals and working-class neighborhoods as threats to the nation.

Criticism of Macron government's policies

Participants also criticized the government of Emmanuel Macron, expressing a sense of betrayal despite having supported him against the far right. They criticized statements stigmatizing Muslims, such as Gabriel Attal's campaign against the wearing of the abaya at school and Bruno Retailleau's comments on the veil.

Event ends with unity and resolve

As the evening progressed, a minute of silence was observed for Pengo Bossio Wangi and the seven injured. The Marseillaise was then sung on the Place des Merisiers. Despite the attack, residents of Trappes remain determined not to let fear dictate their lives. One resident said, "This is my village," encapsulating their attachment to the town and their resolve to resist terror: "We are here to say never again."