France’s prosecutors confirm terror-linked charges after 1 killed and 7 injured

France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office confirmed on 29 October 2026 that Kevin T. had been formally charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise, Al Jazeera said.

The charges concern shootings on 23 October 2026 in Trappes and La Verrière, west of Paris. A man fired at people from his car while driving through the towns. Prosecutors put the toll at 1 person killed and 7 injured.

The victims

Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old French citizen of Congolese heritage, was killed in the attack.

France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor, Olivier Christen, had already given the same overall toll at his 26 October briefing. Le Monde said in its account that 3 victims remained hospitalised, including 1 whose life was in danger. An 11-year-old girl who was seriously injured had been out of life-threatening danger since 25 October.

The investigation before the charges

Kevin T. is a 39-year-old French national. Christen said police arrested him without resistance in Coignières on 23 October, shortly after the shootings began.

Christen described a “very high level of preparation” before the attack. He said Kevin T. had acquired components intended to improve a submachine gun’s effectiveness, a police armband and handcuffs in September. Officials said a search of his home uncovered weapons or weapon components, including a magazine, brass knuckles, a steel bayonet and a silencer.

Kevin T.’s police custody was lifted on 25 October after a psychiatrist recommended psychiatric observation. Christen said custody resumed on 26 October 2026 after another examination found that compulsory hospitalisation was not justified and that police questioning could resume.