Paris Suburb Shooting Suspect Moved to Psychiatric Observation

The man suspected of carrying out a deadly gun attack near Paris has been taken out of custody and placed under psychiatric observation, according to French anti-terrorism officials.

The attack took place on Friday, when a gunman fired from his car, first in Trappes and then in the neighboring town of La Verrière. One person died and five others were wounded. The shooter appeared to be aiming at people of migrant origin.

French media have named the suspect as Kevin T, aged 39. The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) said he will be observed to assess whether his "psychiatric health is compatible with pursuing his interrogation". The decision came after advice from a psychiatric expert. The evaluation is also meant to determine whether he should stay in police custody, and PNAT said it is "likely to last 48 hours".

Prosecutors added that tests found cannabis and cocaine in the suspect's bloodstream. Le Monde and the AFP news agency reported, citing a source close to the investigation, that a Bible, a Quran and a copy of Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf were found at his home.

President Emmanuel Macron described the shooting as a "racist terrorist attack" and said victims had been singled out because of their skin colour or religion. He said it marked a "turning point in the life of our Republic and our nation".

The lawyer for the person killed, Pengo Bossio Wangi, told French media that placing the suspect under observation was "very rare". He alleged the step was being used to present the suspect as criminally irresponsible rather than as someone who acted deliberately.

Wangi, a 26-year-old French-Congolese martial artist, was named as the victim on Saturday. The mixed martial arts club where he trained paid tribute to him. "On the mats as off them, he was one of those who lead by example: present, respectful, always ready to lift others up," the club said. It added that his smile, energy and generosity "will remain etched in our walls and in our hearts."

Three of the wounded were taken to hospital in serious condition, among them a 12-year-old girl who remains critical. La Verrière mayor Nicolas Dainville told France Info on Sunday that he had spoken by phone with the girl's mother and confirmed she was "doing better". He said another injured resident was recovering, while a third remained in critical condition.

Local media report the suspect was known to police before the attack but not to France's intelligence services. PNAT earlier said he had four previous convictions that had been "automatically expunged". He is believed to have used an old semi-automatic weapon, firing in bursts from his car window.