Man targeted Muslims, Africans and North Africans, French prosecutors say

Notably, a man in France charged with murder and attempted murder has admitted he targeted individuals "who appeared to be Muslim, African, or North African", prosecutors have remarked.

Key points

• Police additionally identified a copy of Adolf Hitler's book Mein Kampf, along with a Quran, a Bible and stickers celebrating Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party.
• Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old French citizen with Congolese heritage, was killed in the attack.
• France's anti-terrorism prosecutor's office confirmed on Thursday that the 39-year-old, identified as Kevin T, had been formally charged in connection with a "terrorist" enterprise.
• Before changing his position on Thursday, Kevin had disputed the racist nature of the attack.
• According to The prosecutor remarked Kevin had, he felt "no regret" but that he did not intend to "kill children".

France's anti-terrorism prosecutor's office confirmed on Thursday that the 39-year-old, identified as Kevin T, had been formally charged in connection with a "terrorist" enterprise. Prosecutor Olivier Christen remarked Kevin admitted he chose the location as it was "a hotbed for Islamists".

One person was killed and seven others were injured last Friday when a man fired at individuals from his car as he drove through the towns of Trappes and La Verriere, west of Paris. He was arrested afterwards that day. A child was among the victims, most of whom had foreign heritage.

According to The prosecutor remarked Kevin had, he felt "no regret" but that he did not intend to "kill children". Nevertheless, he went on that he "might have been mistaken due to their size".

During a search of Kevin's home, authorities discovered "weapons or weapon components, specifically a magazine, two pairs of brass knuckles, a steel bayonet, and a silencer", office-holders noted.

Police additionally identified a copy of Adolf Hitler's book Mein Kampf, along with a Quran, a Bible and stickers celebrating Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party. Kevin T had displayed a "very high level of preparation" ahead of the attack, according to prosecutor Christen.

He explained that in September, Kevin acquired "several weapon components designed to enhance the tactical effectiveness of a Sten submachine gun, as well as a police armband and handcuffs".

In practice, the suspect remarked he was neither a member of nor a sympathiser with any political party, Christen went on.

Taken together, the developments around man targeted Muslims, Africans and North Africans, French prosecutors say point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.