Trappes Attack: Gunman Admits Racist Motive | Update

The Trappes attack suspect Kevin T. has admitted to investigators that he acted out of a racist and Islamophobic motive and has shown no remorse, French prosecutors said on 29 October 2026. The 39-year-old told investigators he specifically targeted 'Muslims and people of African or North African descent' during the shooting spree in the Paris suburb on 23 October, according to the public prosecutor's office.

What happened in the Trappes attack?

On the morning of Friday 23 October 2026, Kevin T. opened fire from his car with a machine gun in Trappes and later in La Verrière, two neighbouring communes about 30 kilometres west of central Paris. In roughly 20 minutes he shot at passers-by before officers rammed his vehicle and arrested him in Coignières around 10:20 a.m. Le Monde reported that he fired 128 rounds. Police recovered the submachine gun, tear-gas grenades and gloves from the car. The attack was quickly labelled a terrorist act with a possible racist motive by President Emmanuel Macron, and the France anti-terrorism investigation was opened.

Suspect's confession: racist and Islamophobic motive

According to the public prosecutor, Kevin T. admitted during questioning that he had prepared the attack and deliberately chose Trappes because he considered it a 'refuge for Islamists.' He admits that he specifically targeted Muslims and people of African or North African descent, the prosecutor said. The suspect denied wanting to hit children, saying he may have misjudged the body size of the 11-year-old girl who was wounded, but stressed that he has no regret.

Targeting Muslims and people of African descent

The girl was wearing a headscarf when she was shot. Her mother earlier said: Maybe that is why he attacked her. She is a child who was born in France, in Trappes. She has the right to build her life here. The suspect's admission is likely to intensify debate over Islamophobic violence in France and the response of authorities.

Victims and community response

The Trappes attack killed 26-year-old Pengo Bossio Wangi and wounded seven people, including the 11-year-old girl, who was hit eight times. Three of the injured remained in hospital on 29 October, one in critical condition. On Wednesday, a silent march was held for the victims. In an emotional speech, the girl's mother said: Do you want to know where they found my child's body? I will show you. She ran to a car to hide; that saved her. That little girl absolutely did not deserve this. The parents told RTL that her condition has since improved.

Investigation: weapons, books and preparation

A house search found weapons and ammunition, as well as a Quran, a Bible and a copy of Hitler's Mein Kampf, the prosecutor said. The preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect began preparing the attack on 3 September, buying parts for a machine gun and paying off his debts. Days before the attack he wiped his social media, sold his laptop and hid his phone; the laptop and phone were found and seized on Tuesday.

• Preparation began on 3 September
• 128 rounds fired, according to Le Monde
• Weapons, ammunition and Mein Kampf found at home
• Social media wiped and laptop sold before the attack
• Investigated under Article 421-1 of the penal code

Authorities are investigating the attack as a terrorist act under Article 421-1 of the French criminal code. The suspect denies any terrorist intent and considers his act 'lawful.'

Impact and political reaction

President Macron almost immediately described the Trappes attack as a racist terrorist attack. The case has renewed scrutiny of far-right extremism in Europe and the targeting of minority communities. Because Trappes has a history of social tensions and radicalisation, officials face pressure to clarify how the suspect obtained a submachine gun and whether warning signs were missed.

FAQ: Trappes attack explained

Who was the suspect in the Trappes attack?

The suspect is Kevin T., a 39-year-old man arrested in Coignières after the 23 October 2026 shooting. He admitted a racist and Islamophobic motive.

How many people were killed and wounded?

One person, 26-year-old Pengo Bossio Wangi, was killed. Seven people were wounded, including an 11-year-old girl who was shot eight times.

Why did the gunman choose Trappes?

He said he chose Trappes because he believed it was a 'refuge for Islamists' and admitted targeting Muslims and people of African or North African descent.

What did investigators find at his home?

Police found weapons, ammunition, a Quran, a Bible and a copy of Mein Kampf. He had also wiped social media and hidden his phone and laptop before the attack.