France Investigates Suspected Racist Shooting As Suspect Undergoes Psychiatric Assessment

French anti-terrorism investigators are awaiting the outcome of a psychiatric assessment of a man suspected of carrying out a fatal shooting near Paris that left one person dead and five others injured.

The suspect, identified in French media as 39-year-old Kevin T, was removed from police custody following advice from a psychiatric expert. The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) said doctors would assess whether his mental condition would allow questioning to continue. The process is expected to take about 48 hours.

The investigation centres on Friday’s shootings in Trappes and La Verrière, where a gunman allegedly fired at people from a car. Investigators believe people of migrant origin may have been targeted.

The only person killed was Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old French-Congolese martial artist. His mixed martial arts club remembered him as a supportive and respectful figure whose positive influence extended beyond the training mats.

Wangi’s lawyer questioned the decision to seek a psychiatric assessment, describing it as unusual and arguing that it could create the impression that the suspect was not responsible for his actions.

President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the incident as a racist terrorist attack, saying the victims appeared to have been selected because of their skin colour or religion. He described the shooting as a significant moment for France.

Investigators have also reported that cannabis and cocaine were present in the suspect’s bloodstream.

Separately, French media outlet Le Monde and news agency AFP reported, citing a source close to the investigation, that officers found a Bible, a Quran and Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf at the suspect’s home. The significance of the items has not been established in the information released publicly.

Of the five people wounded, three were initially in serious condition. One was a 12-year-old girl who had been reported to be critically ill. La Verrière Mayor Nicolas Dainville told France Info on Sunday that the girl’s mother had said her condition was improving.