French shooting suspect targeted Muslims, Africans, says prosecutor

A man has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise following a shooting attack in the Paris suburbs, according to prosecutors. The suspect, identified as Kevin T., killed one person and wounded seven others, including a child, with a submachine gun while driving through Trappes and La Verriere, west of Paris.

Kevin T., a 39-year-old, claimed he targeted individuals who appeared to be Muslim, African, or North African. Most of the victims were of foreign origin. The attack occurred during an increasingly tense political climate, with presidential elections approaching and far-right leader Marine Le Pen leading opinion polls.

The suspect was arrested the day after the attack and has been taken into pre-trial detention. He had previously been arrested for hitting another driver three days before the shooting. Prosecutors stated that the suspect showed no regret for his actions. Authorities found several weapons, including a magazine, brass knuckles, a steel bayonet, and a silencer, as well as books and stickers promoting far-right ideology during a search of the suspect's home.

The prosecutor noted the very high level of preparation behind the attack and stated that Kevin T. rejected suggestions he intended to kill children but might have been mistaken due to their size. Kevin T. denied any terrorist intent and viewed his actions as legitimate. The attack has sparked protests against the normalization of racist hatred.