Suspect in deadly racist attack in France admits targeting Muslims, Africans
Kevin Tessier formally charged and remanded to pretrial detention
PARIS, France (MNTV) – The suspect in a recent deadly racist attack in northern France admitted to deliberately targeting people he perceived to be Muslim or of African or North African descent, the country’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor said Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference, Olivier Christen said Kevin Tessier acknowledged the “premeditation” of the acts, according to broadcaster BFMTV.
Christen specified, quoting the suspect, that Tessier had “chosen the location of his action” because “Trappes is a haven for Islamists.”
He, however, “denies any terrorist intent, considering his actions legitimate,” he added.
Christen also noted that weapons or weapon components including a magazine, two pairs of brass knuckles, a steel bayonet and a silencer were found following a search of the suspect’s home.
Several books were also reportedly found there, including a Quran, a Bible and a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf
Several stickers were also found, bearing the words “Long live France, RN (National Rally), proud to be French,” “100% French, long live France” and “Support for law enforcement.”
Christen said the investigation also revealed “extensive preparation for the criminal act” carried out on Oct. 23.
Tessier is suspected of carrying out a racially motivated attack in Trappes and La Verriere in the Yvelines department, opening fire on several people and leaving one dead and four others seriously injured.
BFMTV learned from a source close to the case that he was formally charged with “murder and attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise,” with the aggravating circumstance that the acts were committed “because of the victims’ purported race, ethnicity, religion or nationality.”
He was also charged with “participation in a terrorist criminal conspiracy,” “possession and transportation of a Category A weapon” and “attempted destruction of property by dangerous means in connection with a terrorist enterprise.”
He was placed in pretrial detention, BFMTV learned from his lawyers.
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