Paris prosecutor says shooter expressed 'hatred of foreigners'
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Friday's incident sparked massive riots in the capital city, as the Kurdish community was preparing to commemorate the 10th year since three activists have been mysteriously murdered.
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William Mallet
The Paris prosecutor said on Sunday that the suspect, named William Mallet, who shot three Kurds in Paris told investigators of his "hatred of foreigners," french sources reported.
Last Friday, 69-year-old William Mallet opened fire on the street in the 10th arrondissement of Paris at a Kurdish cultural center.
Three people died and another four were injured as a result of the shooting.
The incident subsequently sparked massive riots in the capital city - right as they were preparing to commemorate the 10th year since three activists have been mysteriously murdered.
French capital #Paris in ruins.
— Clash Report (@clashreport) December 25, 2022
French taxpayer money is wasted.
All the damage is done by #PKK supporters.
The snake that #France has been feeding for decades. pic.twitter.com/XKZDwET9gc
According to prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the suspect said he had developed such resentment since 2016 when a burglary took place at his home.
Beccuau added that his police custody resumed on Sunday evening after he was discharged from the psychiatric ward.
The day the attack took place, law enforcers reported that the shooter's actions were driven by racism.
Hence, the motive was added to the initial accusations of murder and weapons offenses.
At the initial stages of questioning, William described himself as depressive and had suicidal tendencies.
The prosecutor said the man had planned to shoot himself in the head with the last bullet after he had completed the attack.
When a search was carried out at his parents' home, where he resided, investigators say they did not find evidence suggesting he had links to extremist ideologies.
🔴🇫🇷 [ ALERTE INFO ] Des affrontements sont en cours dans le 10ème arrondissement de #Paris où a eu lieu l'attentat raciste commis par William M. qui a coûté la vie à 3 kurdes et blessé 3 autres. https://t.co/PLWWQnQsPH pic.twitter.com/tvDTJPbQPX
— [ Lies Breaker ] (@Lies_Breaker) December 23, 2022
He had reportedly attempted to carry out an attack in one of Paris' suburbs but later aborted the plan.
William was freed on December 12 this year on grounds that he awaits trial for a saber attack he carried out at a migrant camp in Paris last year.
Yesterday, sources reported that clashes in Paris opposing Kurds to law enforcers have resulted in several injuries reported.
As the second day of the protests began, Kurds initially gathered peacefully near the Place de la Republique by the thousands to voice their anger at what they believed was a Turkish-motivated attack on their community.
As demonstrators were marching toward the Place de la Bastille, the protests turned violent when they were met by law enforcers who blamed the Kurds for escalating the situation.
Cars were turned over, bus stops were damaged, and garbage bins were set on fire, while protesters threw stones, sticks, and firecrackers at the police.
While several have been detained by the police, others have been sent to the hospital for sustained injuries.
Read more: Erdogan's advisor: PKK is responsible for the Paris protests
