France shooting suspect admits targeting Muslims and Africans, prosecutors say, as terror charges brought

A man charged over a shooting in France has admitted he targeted individuals "who appeared to be Muslim, African, or North African," prosecutors have said. One person was killed and seven others injured 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 with murder, attempted murder and involvement in a "terrorist" enterprise. Prosecutor Olivier Christen said Kevin admitted he chose the location because it was "a hotbed for Islamists."

Before changing his position on Thursday, Kevin had disputed the racist nature of the attack. Last Friday, a man fired at people from his car as he drove through the towns of Trappes and La Verrière, west of Paris. One person was killed and seven others were injured; a child was among the victims, most of whom had foreign heritage. He was arrested later that day.

Prosecutor Christen said Kevin stated that he felt "no regret" but that he did not intend to "kill children," adding that he "might have been mistaken due to their size." The man killed in the attack was Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old French citizen with Congolese heritage.

During a search of Kevin's home, authorities found weapons or weapon components, specifically a magazine, two pairs of brass knuckles, a steel bayonet and a silencer. Police also found 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.

Christen said Kevin had displayed a "very high level of preparation" ahead of the attack. In September, he acquired several weapon components designed to enhance the tactical effectiveness of a Sten submachine gun, as well as a police armband and handcuffs.

The suspect said he was neither a member of nor a sympathiser with any political party, Christen added.