Trappes attack: Pengo Bossio Wangi's funeral open to all on Saturday, colorful clothes to say goodbye

The funeral of Pengo Bossio Wangi, 26, killed in the racist attack in Trappes and La Verrière on October 23, will take place this Saturday at 16 p.m. in Guyancourt, Yvelines. His family has decided to open the ceremony to the public so that all who wish to pay their last respects may do so. They have also made a special request: that those attending wear brightly colored clothing.

The ceremony will take place at the Guyancourt cemetery, located at 47 Rue du Moulin Renard. The young man, who lived in the town, was fatally shot while on his way to his security guard training course. A passionate MMA fan and considered a promising talent in the sport , he dreamed of becoming a professional fighter.

A ceremony open to all, and colorful clothes to say goodbye.

The family of Pengo Bossio Wangi wished for his funeral to be accessible to all those wishing to pay tribute to him, whether they were his relatives, his friends, his sports partners or simply citizens upset by his death.

On the death announcement, the family asked attendees to wear bright colors rather than the dark attire traditionally associated with funerals. The document also includes a biblical verse: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep."

Born on September 12, 2000, Pengo Bossio Wangi had celebrated his 26th birthday a few weeks before his death. He lived in Guyancourt and practiced amateur MMA at the Atch Academy in Aubervilliers, Seine-Saint-Denis. He hoped to continue his athletic development and become a professional fighter.

Killed by about ten bullets while on his way to his internship

On Friday, October 23, around 10 a.m., Pengo Bossio Wangi was on his way to Trappes to begin his security guard internship when he was targeted by an armed man. Hit by about ten bullets, he died at the scene in Square Pergaud.

The suspected gunman, 39-year-old Kévin Tessier, drove several kilometers, opening fire on people in various areas of Trappes and La Verrière. The attack left one person dead and seven wounded, four of them seriously. Among the victims was a 12-year-old girl who was hit by eight bullets.

According to information released by the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office, the suspect admitted the racist nature of his actions and their premeditation. His killing spree covered approximately 12 kilometers. At least 128 rounds were fired at eight different locations.

Kévin Tessier was charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise, with the aggravating circumstance of racism, and then placed in pretrial detention. He admitted to having chosen his victims based on their perceived origin or religion.

The suspect also attempted suicide in prison a few days after his incarceration. Hospitalized following his attempt, his condition is no longer life-threatening.

Since the attack, Pengo Bossio Wangi's family has made numerous public statements to honor his memory and demand justice.

On October 28, during a rally against hate organized in Saint-Denis, his uncle declared: "Behind this name, there is a loved one. An absence that can never be filled. Our family demands justice for Pengo and for all the other victims."

His younger sister also spoke on November 1st to discuss the young man's personality and plans. She explained that she wanted to "show people who he really was ," before adding: "One of his dreams was to have a family, children."

On October 25, several hundred people participated in a silent march in Aubervilliers, organized with the support of the municipality and his MMA club. His training partners, coaches, and many residents gathered to pay tribute to him.

A national tribute has also been announced.

In addition to the funerals scheduled for Saturday, the government has announced a national tribute to the victims of the attacks in Trappes and La Verrière. This tribute will be presided over by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The date has not yet been announced.

Pengo Bossio Wangi's family also called for this tribute to be transformed into a concrete commitment against racism. His father specifically addressed Emmanuel Macron on the need to give this national ceremony lasting impact.

Meanwhile, the young man's loved ones will gather this Saturday at 16 p.m. at the Guyancourt cemetery to say their goodbyes. The ceremony will be open to all, in accordance with his family's wishes.