Kevin T Charged With Terrorism After 15-Minute Shooting Spree in Paris Suburbs

French prosecutors have formally charged 39-year-old Kevin T with terrorism following a 15-minute shooting spree that left one person dead and five others injured in the Paris suburbs. The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office, known as PNAT, opened an investigation into murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise. The case also includes charges for possessing a Category A weapon, a classification that covers military-grade arms and weapons capable of firing in bursts. Prosecutors are additionally looking into conspiracy with a terrorist group to prepare crimes against persons.

The violence began on Friday in Trappes, south-west of Paris. Witnesses reported that the gunman drove a grey Renault Clio through several neighborhoods, firing at people from his vehicle. He appeared to target individuals of migrant origin. The attacker stopped at a petrol station, a medical centre, and a playground before moving to the neighboring town of La Verrière. Local authorities said he was detained on the main road in La Verrière. One victim died, and three others, including a 12-year-old girl, remain in serious condition.

Presidential and local officials have characterized the event as a targeted act of racial violence. President Emmanuel Macron visited the scene and described the incident as a racist terrorist attack. He called it a turning point for the Republic and stated that France had not previously seen a random racial killing of this scale. Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes, said the driver fired randomly with the intent to cause as many casualties as possible. Rabeh told reporters that the attacker wanted to cause carnage.

Investigative details reveal that T had four previous convictions that were automatically expunged from his record. French media reported that he was known to police but not to intelligence services. The prosecutor's office confirmed he was not on a list of individuals regarded as a serious threat to national security. A member of his immediate family was also taken into custody on Friday. A local police chief told BFMTV that T used an older-style semi-automatic weapon. Le Parisien reported that the firearm dated back to World War Two.

The mother of the 12-year-old girl, who suffered eight gunshot wounds and required surgery, spoke to broadcaster RTL. She noted that her daughter was wearing a headscarf and questioned if that was the reason for the attack. The mother stated that her daughter was born in France and has the right to live there. The investigation into the precise motive continues as the case moves through the legal system.

The suspect remains in custody as the PNAT reviews evidence from the scene. The investigation covers the weapons used and the connections between the two towns where the shooting occurred. Family members of the victims are being supported by local officials while medical teams treat the injured.