Marine Le Pen Criticizes False Reports Following Trappes Attack

Marine Le Pen condemned what she called “blatant disinformation” after a French newspaper published—and then retracted—claims suggesting that an alleged terrorist had National Rally (RN) literature in his vehicle during a deadly attack on Friday.

Supporters of Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally party, are calling for public apologies following a mainstream media report alleging that the suspected gunman from the Trappes incident had RN leaflets in his car.

The initial report, published by French newspaper Le Monde, was quickly denied by the national counter-terror prosecutor overseeing the investigation. This denial came as many politicians seized on the story to criticize Le Pen, with some even accusing her of being complicit in the violence.

Le Monde initially stated: “A source close to the investigation indicated that RN leaflets were found in the individual’s car… [but] did not clarify the documents’ nature nor dispute their association with the RN.” However, during a press conference, prosecutor Olivier Christen clarified, “I want to be clear that no political party leaflets were found in his vehicle.” Subsequently, Le Monde removed the reference to the leaflets.

Despite this clarification, there was a deluge of condemnation aimed at the National Rally and Le Pen for supposedly fostering a right-wing terror attack. While many of these criticisms were deleted after the prosecutor’s statement, some individuals maintained their allegations.

Manon Aubry, a French Member of the European Parliament from the far-left LFI party, accused Le Pen of having “blood on her hands” and warned that her ascension to power would endanger countless citizens.

Conversely, Socialist lawmaker Olivier Faure retracted his statements but stood by his initial stance, insisting he was “spiritually correct.” He noted the oddity of finding RN leaflets in the terrorist’s car and reiterated that the rhetoric from RN leaders contributes to anti-Muslim sentiment.

Faure criticized RN lawmakers for historically labeling the Trappes suburb—a locale where many young men joined the Islamic State—as a “miniature Islamic Republic” and a “European capital of jihad.” He implied that such language puts Muslims at risk.

Marine Le Pen opted not to engage directly with her opponents but instead targeted Le Monde for what she described as their partisan choice to publish unverified information. She accused the publication of engaging in a “militant operation” aimed at undermining her presidential campaign.

“By disseminating false information that has been refuted by the public prosecutor, Le Monde is complicit in an effort to tarnish the National Rally,” she stated. “This blatant disinformation raises important questions about media objectivity, especially during a presidential campaign.”

Her deputy, Jordan Bardella, expressed that the party is awaiting a “mea culpa” from Le Monde, whom he derisively referred to as the “newspaper of record,” alluding to its once-reputable standing.

RN lawmaker Manon Bouquin was more straightforward, demanding that those on the left who have attempted to discredit her party should face repercussions. She remarked, “Le Monde was so eager to attack us that it rushed into spreading false news… they’ve just quietly altered the article.”

She urged party supporters to remain vigilant against misinformation leading up to the 2027 Presidential Election, warning, “This will be the constant narrative for the next six months. Don’t let yourselves be fooled.”

The RN announced plans to file a defamation lawsuit against Le Monde in response to the false claims.

As for the ongoing investigation into the Trappes attack, the 39-year-old suspect, Kevin T., was initially moved to psychiatric care due to concerns about his mental state, but this decision has now been reversed. Reports indicate he has denied any racial motives behind his actions, although he acknowledges his involvement in the attack.

The prosecutor also dismissed earlier claims regarding political literature found in his home, where, according to prior reports, police allegedly discovered a Bible, a Quran, and Hitler’s Mein Kampf.

Kevin T. was previously unknown to intelligence services, and while he has a criminal record, it mainly consists of minor offenses from 15 years ago. No definitive connections to far-right movements have been established.

Interestingly, some have pointed out allegations tying Kevin T. to historical connections with the left and the pro-Palestinian movement. Le Figaro reported investigations into old photographs where some claim he was seen with a former leftist lawmaker at pro-Palestine events.

That lawmaker, Olivier Pareja, recalled a “Kevin” from that time but couldn’t confirm it was the same individual now accused of a terror offense, describing him as a loner who didn’t actively participate in political activism.