Government Announces National Tribute Following Racist Attack in Trappes

A national tribute will be held under the leadership of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to honor Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old man who was killed in a racist shooting in Trappes, located in the Yvelines department. The attack, which took place on October 23, also left seven other people injured after the gunman opened fire from a vehicle.

The principal suspect, 39-year-old Kévin Tessier, was placed in pre-trial detention and indicted on October 29. National Counterterrorism Prosecutor Olivier Christen stated during a press conference that the suspect admitted during police custody to specifically targeting individuals of African, North African, or Muslim descent.

During a press conference in Paris, the victim's father, Bolema Bossio Wangi, expressed his family's wishes regarding the upcoming government recognition. Too emotional to speak initially, his statement was read by his daughter Ambre before he briefly spoke himself to emphasize that his family seeks justice and peace rather than vengeance.

"We want simply justice and peace. He was a good person. An angel was taken from us," Bolema Bossio Wangi stated, reflecting on the loss of his son. He noted that he grew up in France during the 1980s and 1990s when racist attacks were frequent, but never imagined his son would fall victim to the same hatred decades later.

The family emphasized that the planned national tribute must serve as more than just a moment of quiet reflection. They urged that it become a catalyst for genuine awareness and mobilization against racism and bigotry, arguing that society must confront prejudices that have persisted for decades and are sometimes fueled by political parties and media outlets.

Pengo's younger sister, Ritsia, also shared emotional memories of her brother during a television interview on TF1's "Sept à Huit," describing him as a deeply empathetic, protective, and humorous man who dreamed of starting a family and supporting his siblings. She demanded a firm response from the judicial system to bring peace to the grieving family.

In the wake of the tragedy, approximately 1,000 people gathered in front of the Saint-Denis city hall at the initiative of Mayor Bally Bagayoko to protest against racism. The family reiterated their trust in the French legal system while stressing that the nation must remain faithful to its core values of fraternity and equality for all inhabitants, regardless of skin color or background.