Thousands gather in Yvelines to condemn racism following deadly attack

Thousands of residents, elected officials, and citizens came together to show support for the victims’ families and denounce racism. One participant told TF1 news, “This is what they call terrorism, meaning terror, because today we have children who are afraid to go outside, of what might happen to them.” Another stated, “We are in shock, we are becoming paranoid.”

The event emphasized unity and fraternity. Several left-wing politicians, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Raphaël Glucksmann, were present, showing support for Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh (Génération.s).

Mayor Rabeh directly blamed political figures for the attack, stating, “His hatred did not come from nowhere. It was inoculated into his mind by the incessant repetition of words, of speeches that have made these minorities targets to be taken down.” He specifically cited comments from Jordan Bardella, who called for protecting France from “a migrant submersion.”

An earlier, smaller gathering took place in La Verrière, the town where 12-year-old Ramatou was struck by eight bullets. Ramatou remains hospitalized, but her condition is no longer life-threatening. La Verrière Mayor Nicolas Dainville (LR) stated, “To her mother, Ramatou confided, ‘I fought for you and my father.’ Here, we knew her joy of living. The whole of France has discovered her incredible courage.’

A minute of silence was observed in the presence of politicians from both left and right, including Édouard Philippe. Philippe, when questioned about his choice to attend the La Verrière gathering instead of Trappes, emphasized, “What I want to say here is that racism kills and that the Republic must be the strongest.” He added that his presence was not intended as a political rally.

Despite the separate and politically diverse gatherings, the overarching message was a condemnation of racism and Islamophobia.