Prosecutors Indict Trappes Driver Over Terror

French prosecutors have formally indicted a 39-year-old suspect for murder and conspiracy in connection with a terrorist enterprise. The charges stem from a 15-minute shooting spree in the Paris suburbs that killed one person and wounded five others. The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) also cited possession of a Category A weapon and conspiracy to prepare crimes against persons. The suspect, identified by media as Kevin T, was arrested after driving a grey Renault Clio through Trappes and La Verrière.

The violence began in Trappes, south-west of Paris, before moving to the neighboring town of La Verrière. Witnesses described the gunman firing randomly at targets including a petrol station, a medical centre, and a playground. Trappes mayor Ali Rabeh stated the suspect fired "randomly" and appeared to want to "cause carnage." A police union official confirmed the suspect was detained on La Verrière's main road. Three victims, including a 12-year-old girl, remain in serious condition.

President Emmanuel Macron visited the scene and labeled the incident a "racist terrorist attack." He described the event as a "turning point in the life of our Republic and our nation" and said it was the first random racial killing of its kind in France. Macron urged citizens not to "give an inch" against ideologies he said were taking root. He noted that victims appeared to be singled out based on skin colour or religion.

The precise motive remains under investigation. PNAT indicated the case involves a terrorist enterprise but has not yet established the specific intent. The suspect has four previous convictions that were 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 serious security threats. A member of his immediate family circle was also taken into custody on Friday.

The mother of the injured 12-year-old girl told RTL that her daughter sustained eight gunshot wounds and required surgery. She noted her daughter was wearing a headscarf and wondered if that was the reason for the attack. "She's a child who was born in France, in Trappes," she said. "She has the right to live in France, to make her life in France." A local police chief told BFMTV the suspect used an older-style semi-automatic weapon. Le Parisien reported the firearm dated back to World War Two.

The investigation continues as authorities assess the suspect's background and the condition of the injured victims. The case is being handled by the PNAT. The next steps involve a formal hearing and further forensic analysis of the weapon and vehicle.