Mayor of Trappes Blames National Rally for Racist Attack

Thousands of people gathered in Trappes on Friday, October 30, to honor the victims of a deadly racist attack that occurred a week earlier in the Parisian region. The commemorative event was organized at the initiative of Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh, following the fatal shooting of Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old Black French man who was killed on October 23.

Mayor Rabeh delivered a passionate speech describing Wangi as a bright, joyful worker and sports enthusiast who was a son, brother, and friend. Beyond mourning the victim, the mayor directly accused political rhetoric from the National Rally (RN) party of fostering the hatred, racism, and Islamophobia that armed the perpetrator.

"The National Rally has ensured the transmission of hate across the decades," Rabeh stated during the gathering, questioning whether anyone could still claim the party has abandoned its racist project. He argued that the attacker did not choose Trappes by chance and that those who authored hateful words effectively designated the target.

The 39-year-old suspect, identified as Kevin Tessier, was indicted in Paris and placed in provisional detention. According to the national antiterrorist prosecutor, Olivier Christen, the suspect admitted to specifically targeting individuals of Muslim, African, or North African descent, choosing Trappes because he viewed it as a stronghold of islamists.

The tragedy has reignited intense political friction in France. The suspect's description of the municipality echoes previous remarks made by National Rally leader Jordan Bardella, who once referred to Trappes as a "miniature Islamic Republic."

In addition to the fatality, the violent attack left seven people injured, including a 12-year-old girl who was seriously wounded in the neighboring town of La Verrière. Local officials and community members continue to grapple with the aftermath of the violence and the ongoing national debate concerning political responsibility and community safety.