President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has announced, the country is in mourning after a “terrorist attack” claimed the life of a man, and left “five” persons in “absolute emergency”.
Among the five (5) in critical condition is a “little girl” who is struggling for her life, the President further announced on X.
The man, Mr. Pengo Bossio Wangi, killed in the attack on Friday in the Paris suburbs was an amateur mixed martial arts fighter.
Macron described the attack as “an act of extreme gravity” which occurred in a “racist nature” and should force France to a “turning point”.
He said, France owes the victims the country’s “support and affection”.
President Macron posted: “Tonight, the Nation is in mourning following the terrorist attack that struck Trappes and La Verrière.
“We are confronted with an act of extreme gravity, and one that, by its proven racist nature, marks a turning point for our country.
“Mr. Pengo Bossio Wangi lost his life. Five other people are in absolute emergency, including a little girl who is fighting for her survival. We think of each and every one of them, of their loved ones, of their families. We owe them the support, affection, and solidarity of the entire Nation.”
The President said, the attacked has now “compelled” France to forge ahead with its “fight against racism in all its forms”. He added, the country’s fight for “universalism” must continue as “nothing is more important”.
He posted: “What happened today compels us. Tonight, I have reiterated the Nation’s support for all the victims and their families. I have also reaffirmed our absolute determination to continue the fight against racism, in all its forms.
“Our fight is one of universalism, of the Republic, of our unity and our cohesion. There is nothing more important tonight.”
Macron said, the France that fights against “racism and antisemitism” is the one that must be “defended”, adding, it will bring about “unity”, as well as, “safety” of everyone.
In a statement on Instagram, the Atch Academy in Aubervilliers, Northern region of Paris, identified Wangi as a 26-year old, and paid tribute to him.
The Academy posted: “Pengo was one of us. Nothing justifies a life being taken like this.”
Not long after the attack, a suspect was arrested, and France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s office took charge of the case.
President Macron posted: “A France that combats racism, antisemitism, and all forms of hatred and persecution based on religion or skin color.
“This is the France we must defend. It is for its unity, for the safety of each and every one, and for the values that bring us together that I will fight to the end.”
