According to reports by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on October 25th, French counter-terrorism officials said that a man suspected of carrying out deadly gun attacks near Paris is no longer in police custody and is now under psychiatric observation. French media reported that books such as "My Struggle" were found at the man's home.
It is reported that on the 23rd, the perpetrator fired from inside a vehicle, committing crimes in Trapp and nearby Lavériel in France. The victims appeared to be people of ‘immigrant background’. The incident resulted in one death and five injuries.
The French National Anti-Terror Prosecution Office (PNAT) stated that the 39-year-old suspect, known in French media as Kevin T, will be subject to psychiatric evaluation to assess whether his 'mental health condition is suitable for continued questioning'.
French President Emmanuel Macron described this as a “racial terrorist attack,” and added that people were targeted due to their skin color or religion. Macron stated that this marks “a turning point in our republic and national life.”
PNAT stated that this decision was based on the opinion of a psychiatrist. The evaluation will determine whether the suspect should remain in police custody; this observation may last up to 48 hours. PNAT also added that the suspect’s blood test revealed marijuana and cocaine.
According to sources close to the investigation, reported by the French newspaper Le Monde and AFP, a Bible, a Quran, and a book titled 'My Struggle' by Adolf Hitler were found at the suspect's home.
The lawyer of Penggo Bosisio Wangji, the only victim in the attack, told French media that placing the suspect under psychiatric observation is “very rare”. He claimed that this measure was intended to create the impression that the suspect could be exempt from criminal responsibility due to mental problems, rather than having committed the crime intentionally.
The 26-year-old French-Congo martial artist, Vangui, was confirmed to be the only victim in the attack on the 24th. His training comprehensive fighting club paid tribute to him, saying: "Whether on the mat or off it, he was a role model. His smile, vitality, and generosity will be forever etched in our walls and hearts."
Among those injured during the attack, three individuals were transferred to hospitals due to serious conditions, including a 12-year-old girl in critical condition.
La Viler City Mayor Nicolas Denville told France Info on the 25th that he had talked with the girl's mother by phone and confirmed that her condition is improving. Denville said that among the two other patients who were taken to the hospital, one injured resident is recovering, while the other remains in critical condition.
Local media reported that the suspect had been recorded by the police before the attack, but the French intelligence agencies were unaware of this information. PNAT previously stated that the suspect had four criminal records, but these records had been "automatically erased."
It is believed that he used an old-fashioned semi-automatic weapon during the attack, firing shots outward from the car window.
