Madar (International) - A man charged over last week's drive-by shooting near Paris has admitted he targeted individuals "who appeared to be Muslim, African, or North African", France's anti-terrorism prosecutor's office said on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Al Jazeera English reported, citing AFP.
The prosecutor's office confirmed that the 39-year-old, identified as Kevin T., had been formally charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with a "terrorist" enterprise. Prosecutor Olivier Christen said the suspect admitted he chose the location because it was, in his words, "a hotbed for Islamists". He had previously disputed the racist nature of the attack.
One person was killed and seven others were injured last Friday when a man fired at people from his car as he drove through the towns of Trappes and La Verriere, west of Paris. He was arrested later that day. A child was among the victims, most of whom had foreign heritage.
The man killed was Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old French citizen of Congolese heritage, according to the report. The prosecutor said the suspect stated he felt "no regret" but did not intend to "kill children".
A search of his home turned up a magazine, two pairs of brass knuckles, a steel bayonet and a silencer, as well as a copy of Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf, a Quran, a Bible and stickers celebrating Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party.
Christen said the suspect showed a "very high level of preparation", having acquired in September several components designed to enhance the effectiveness of a Sten submachine gun, as well as a police armband and handcuffs. The suspect said he was neither a member nor a sympathiser of any political party.
