Family Of Black Man Killed In Racist Shooting Near Paris Demands Justice

The family of 26-year-old Pengo Bossio Wangi, killed in a suspected racist shooting near Paris, is demanding justice and stronger action against racial discrimination in France. The 39-year-old suspect reportedly admitted targeting people who appeared Muslim, African or North African, leaving one person dead and seven others injured. He has been charged with murder and attempted murder linked to a terrorist enterprise and placed in pre-trial detention. The family hopes a planned national tribute will encourage greater awareness and a lasting commitment to fighting racism.

The family of a 26-year-old Black man killed in a suspected racist shooting near Paris has called for justice and stronger action against racism in France.
Pengo Bossio Wangi was among the victims of an attack on October 23, when a 39-year-old man opened fire on people in the towns of Trappes and La Verrière, west of the French capital. One person was killed and seven others, including a child, were wounded.
The suspect, identified as Kevin T., was arrested on the day of the shooting. Prosecutors later said he admitted deliberately targeting people who appeared to be Muslim, African or North African.
The attack has raised concerns about racial discrimination, public safety and the treatment of minority communities in France. Pengo's family says the national tribute planned for the victims should become an opportunity for the country to confront racism and commit itself to protecting everyone, regardless of their background.

FATHER CALLS FOR NATIONAL AWAKENING AGAINST RACISM

Speaking at a press conference in Paris on Monday, Pengo's father, Bolema Bossio Wangi, said he hoped the tragedy would lead to genuine awareness and meaningful action against racism.
He expressed concern about the future of his children and other Black families living in France, questioning whether they could feel safe and enjoy equal opportunities in society.
His comments reflect the fear and uncertainty that can follow attacks motivated by racial or religious prejudice.
For the family, the loss of Pengo is not only a personal tragedy but also a reminder of the dangers faced by people who become targets because of their perceived identity.
They want the planned national tribute to go beyond official speeches and ceremonies, calling for a lasting commitment to tackling discrimination and preventing similar violence.

SUSPECT ADMITTED TARGETING PEOPLE BASED ON THEIR BACKGROUND

According to prosecutors, the suspect admitted selecting victims who appeared to be Muslim, African or North African.
On October 23, he reportedly drove through Trappes and La Verrière while firing a submachine gun from a moving vehicle.
The shooting left Pengo dead and seven other people injured, including a child. Most of the victims were reportedly of foreign origin.
The suspect was arrested later that day and subsequently charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise.
France's national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office announced the charges on Thursday. His lawyers later confirmed that he had been placed in pre-trial detention.
The investigation is continuing as authorities examine the circumstances of the attack and the suspect's motives.

LAWYER WARNS AGAINST DEHUMANISING MINORITY COMMUNITIES

Zineb Alami, the lawyer representing Pengo's father, said the victims were French citizens who had been treated as though they did not belong in their own country.
She argued that people from African and Muslim backgrounds were increasingly being portrayed as suspicious or illegitimate, despite being part of French society.
Her comments highlight a wider debate about discrimination, national identity and the treatment of minority communities.
For families affected by racist violence, such attitudes can create a sense of exclusion and insecurity, particularly when people feel they must continually defend their right to belong.
The family believes the response to the shooting should address not only the individual accused of carrying it out but also the wider social environment in which racial hostility can develop.

ATTACK COMES AMID POLITICAL TENSIONS IN FRANCE

The shooting occurred during a period of heightened political debate in France, with the next presidential election approaching.
Far-right political positions on immigration, national identity and Islam have remained prominent in public discussions. The role of media organisations in giving attention to far-right views has also come under scrutiny.
The incident has therefore intensified questions about how political rhetoric and public attitudes towards minority communities should be addressed.
However, the responsibility for the shooting remains a matter for the criminal investigation and judicial process. The suspect's reported admission and the charges against him will form part of the evidence considered by the courts.

NATIONAL TRIBUTE EXPECTED AS INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

A national tribute to the victims is expected in the coming days, providing an opportunity to remember those affected and acknowledge the suffering of their families.
For Pengo's relatives, the ceremony will carry particular significance because they want his death to lead to meaningful changes in how racism is confronted in France.
The ongoing investigation will seek to establish the full circumstances of the shooting and determine the suspect's criminal responsibility.
Beyond the legal proceedings, the attack has renewed calls for stronger protection against racial and religious discrimination, as well as greater efforts to ensure that people from minority backgrounds can live safely and feel accepted in French society.