France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office has taken over the investigation into a shooting spree in two towns west of Paris on Friday morning, 23 October, which left one person dead and four wounded. Investigators are examining whether the attack was a terrorist act with a racist motive, as details emerge about the origins of those who were shot.
Anti-terrorism investigation opened
The prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into murder and attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. Investigators are specifically examining whether the people shot were targeted because of their racial, ethnic or religious identity.
The investigation also covers illegal possession of a weapon and possible participation in a terrorist criminal association.
According to the mayor of Trappes, Ali Rabeh, the man who was killed was of African origin, and one of the seriously wounded was of North African origin. The mayor of neighbouring La Verrière, Nicolas Dainville, described the attack as “most likely racist”.
The suspect
According to Le Parisien, the suspect who was arrested is 39 years old and has been identified as Kevin T. He was not previously known to the French intelligence services, and police are searching his home.
He was arrested less than ten minutes after the first calls to police. According to a police union spokesperson, he used an old semi-automatic weapon. Authorities are examining whether there were more weapons in his car.
How the shootings unfolded
The shootings began at around 10:00 local time (11:00 Cyprus time) in Trappes, in the Yvelines department west of the French capital.
According to initial information from the investigation, the gunman was driving a Renault Clio and opened fire at several locations in the town, including near a post office, a petrol station and a medical centre.
He then headed to neighbouring La Verrière, where further shots were fired near a pharmacy, the railway station and Rue Marcel Rivière.
🚨🇫🇷 IMAGES EXCLUSIVES | Voici des images de plusieurs personnes blessées après la fusillade dans les Yvelines. L’assaillant aurait voulu faire un véritable carnage et aurait ciblé exclusivement des personnes en raison de leur couleur de peau. Cette motivation reste à confirmer. https://t.co/gSp7bdRzXH
— Cpasdeslol (@cpasdeslol_X) October 23, 2026
Mr Rabeh said the gunman appeared to be shooting at people he came across in the street. In the mayor’s assessment, he intended to cause as many casualties as possible. Mr Rabeh added that several residents came under fire near their homes and workplaces, and that bullets also struck parked cars.
The dead and wounded
According to Le Parisien, the man who was killed was 26 years old. The anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office has urged caution over information circulating about the ages and identities of those shot until official identification is complete.
Among the four wounded is a 12-year-old girl, who was hit by eight bullets in La Verrière. Initial reports said her condition had stabilised. However, Mr Dainville later said the latest information about her health was worrying.
🚨🇫🇷 IMAGES EXCLUSIVES | Voici des images de plusieurs personnes blessées après la fusillade dans les Yvelines. L’assaillant aurait voulu faire un véritable carnage et aurait ciblé exclusivement des personnes en raison de leur couleur de peau. Cette motivation reste à confirmer. https://t.co/gSp7bdRzXH
— Cpasdeslol (@cpasdeslol_X) October 23, 2026
Two cleaning workers who were at a local school in La Verrière were also seriously wounded.
Statements from officials
“Our first reaction can be summed up in one word: terror,” Mr Dainville said, describing the shock felt by residents.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the gunman appeared to have moved from area to area, opening fire at different locations. He stressed, however, that the motives remain unknown.
Specialist anti-terrorism units have been deployed to the area, and France’s General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) is taking part in the investigation.
President Emmanuel Macron expressed his “deep emotion” over the attack, saying his thoughts were with those affected, their families and the residents of Yvelines. “The nation stands by them in this difficult ordeal,” he said, thanking the police for the swift arrest of the suspect.
Support for residents
Psychological support centres have been set up at the town halls of Trappes and La Verrière for those affected, their relatives and people who witnessed the shootings.
This is a developing story.
With information from Le Parisien, Associated Press and Reuters
