Suspect in deadly Paris suburb shooting sent for psychiatric observation

A man suspected of a deadly gun attack near Paris has left custody and been placed under psychiatric observation, French anti-terrorism officials have said.

One person was killed and five others injured on Friday when an attacker opened fire from his car - first in Trappes, and then in nearby La Verrière - appearing to target people of migrant origin.

The suspect, named in French media as 39-year-old Kevin T, will be observed to evaluate whether his "psychiatric health is compatible with pursuing his interrogation", the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) said.

President Emmanuel Macron called it a "racist terrorist attack", adding that people had been targeted over their skin colour or religion.

It marked a "turning point in the life of our Republic and our nation", the French president said.

PNAT said the move to place the suspect under psychiatric evaluation followed guidance from a psychiatric expert.

The evaluation will determine whether the suspect should remain in police custody and is "likely to last 48 hours", PNAT added.

PNAT said the suspect was also found to have cannabis and cocaine in his bloodstream.

Kaynak: BBC News World RSS (Açık Basın / Haber Servisi)