Mass shooting in Trappes: profile of Kévin T., suspect with criminal record
A 39-year-old man, Kévin T., is suspected of killing one person and injuring five others in Trappes and La Verrière. The National Counter-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation for racist terrorism.
Booby-trapped flat, wartime weapon and criminal record: who is Kévin T.?
According to 20minutes.fr, a Sten-type submachine gun dating from the Second World War was found in his car, and his flat had been booby-trapped with three gas bottles connected to a timer. The profile of Kévin T., 39, suspected of killing one person and injuring five others on Friday in the Yvelines, is becoming clearer as investigations proceed.
The National Counter-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (Pnat) has opened an investigation for murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise, with an aggravating circumstance linked to the racist nature of the facts. The investigation has also been extended to possession of a category-A weapon and membership of a terrorist criminal association with a view to the preparation of crimes against persons.
A resident of Plaisir, unknown to intelligence services
Born in 1987, Kévin T. resides in Plaisir, less than ten kilometres from Trappes. He was previously unknown to intelligence services, notably the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI), according to Le Parisien. By contrast, he was known to police for theft, shoplifting, drug use and driving under the influence of alcohol. The Pnat clarified that his criminal record contained four convictions that had been "automatically rehabilitated". He is also listed in the criminal records database (TAJ), according to a police source cited by AFP.
Bursts of gunfire at passers-by from a Renault Clio
On the day of the incidents, Kévin T. drove through the streets of Trappes and La Verrière in a Renault Clio, firing bursts at passers-by. He was arrested in Coignières by officers from the anti-crime squad (BAC). In addition to the submachine gun, investigators discovered a tear-gas canister in his vehicle. Le Parisien also reports the presence of gloves and a substance that could be cocaine, information that has not been confirmed by toxicological analysis.
A flat transformed into a trap
Investigations carried out at his home revealed a disturbing device: the flat had been booby-trapped using three gas bottles and electrical wires connected to a timer. The RAID and bomb-disposal experts were mobilised to intervene on site. The building was evacuated and the area cordoned off in the afternoon. The CRS 8, specialised in combating urban violence, was also deployed in the sector, according to a source close to the case. By the end of the day, the search was still ongoing.
Custody and second arrest
Placed in custody immediately after his arrest, Kévin T. had not yet been questioned by investigators early in the evening. The Pnat explained that his presence was required during the search of his home, in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure. His custody can last up to 96 hours. A second person, from his immediate family circle, was also placed in custody on Friday afternoon, the counter-terrorism prosecutor's office announced.
Racist motive at the heart of investigations
The racist motive for the attack is central to the investigation. While visiting Trappes, President Emmanuel Macron stated that the suspect had "spared people because of their skin" and that he had "assumed his act". The head of state described the incidents as "a terrorist attack, racist in nature". The investigation is entrusted notably to the Counter-Terrorism Sub-directorate (SDAT) and the DGSI.
Source: Google News MA