Prosecutors Indict Kevin T With Terrorism Charges After Trappes Shooting

French prosecutors charged a 39-year-old man with terrorism on October 23, 2026, following a shooting spree in the Paris suburbs that killed one person and wounded five others. The suspect, identified as Kevin T, faces multiple counts including murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise and possession of a Category A weapon.

The attack lasted approximately 15 minutes. T drove a grey Renault Clio through Trappes and the neighboring town of La Verrière, firing from the vehicle. Witnesses reported he targeted people at a petrol station, a medical center, and a playground in Trappes before moving to La Verrière. He was detained on the main road in La Verrière by local police.

One victim died in the attack. Five others were wounded. Three of the injured remain in serious condition. Among them is a 12-year-old girl who sustained eight gunshot wounds. Her mother told broadcaster RTL that her daughter required surgery and had been wearing a headscarf at the time of the shooting.

President Emmanuel Macron visited the scene and described the violence as a racist terrorist attack. He stated that the incident marked a turning point for the nation. Macron said the victims were singled out because of their skin color or religion. He urged the public not to yield to ideologies taking root.

The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office said the investigation also covers conspiracy with a terrorist group. T had four previous convictions that had been automatically expunged. Local media reported he was known to police but not to intelligence services. The prosecutor's office told BFMTV that he was not on a list of people regarded as a serious threat to French security. A member of his immediate family circle was taken into custody on Friday.

Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes, said T fired randomly while hoping to cause as many casualties as possible. Rabeh added that the gunman wanted to cause carnage. A local police chief told BFMTV that T used an older-style semi-automatic weapon. Le Parisien reported that the firearm dated back to World War Two.

The precise motive for the attack has not been established. The prosecutor's office is investigating whether T acted alone or with a group. The case involves charges for preparing crimes against persons. T remains in custody while the investigation continues.