Racist attack in Trappes: custody of suspect's associates ended
The four members of the gunman's inner circle were released on Sunday. The racially motivated attack in the Yvelines left one dead and five wounded.
Custody ended for psychiatric reasons
The custody of four associates of the suspect in the racist attack in the Yvelines was ended on 25 October, confirmed the National Counter-Terrorism Prosecutor (Pnat). According to BFM TV, it had been ordered as part of an investigation into "murder" and "attempted murders" allegedly linked to a "terrorist enterprise".
The gunman's own custody was suspended for psychiatric reasons. The suspect suffers from schizophrenia and blood tests revealed the presence of cannabis and cocaine in his system.
Reactions from the defence and authorities
The lawyer for the victim's family, Yassine Bouzrou, questioned the suspect's admission to psychiatric care, describing such decisions as "very rare" in practice. He also criticised the insufficient monitoring of the gunman, a "holder of military-grade weapons" and "already known to police and judicial services", not ruling out "pursuing any administrative responsibility".
The Minister of the Interior replied that the suspension of custody "changes nothing about the gravity of the act, about the fact that it is a terrorist, racist attack". He emphasised that Kévin T. "was not known to" intelligence services, a common phenomenon in terrorist attacks involving isolated perpetrators.
Suspect's profile and prevention
The Minister described the profiles "that concern us most": "individuals who are somewhat isolated, who are fed by racist ideology, who consume the surrounding discourse and who suddenly take action". He acknowledged that this type of rapid radicalisation was "the most difficult to detect".
Gatherings bringing together several associations and unions were planned for Monday to support the victims and denounce the "normalisation of racist hatred".
Source: BFM TV