France honors MMA fighter killed in racist Trappes attack

Pengo Bossio Wangi, a 26-year-old aspiring MMA fighter, was killed in a racist attack in Trappes and La Verriere on Friday, October 23, 2026. Seven other people were injured in the attack, including one child.

Born in Poissy in the northwestern suburbs of Paris, Wangi grew up in foster care and lived in the Yvelines department. He trained at the Atch Academy club in Aubervilliers and was working toward a professional MMA career.

“He simply wanted to live his life, go to work, do his sport, return home, like any one of us. He asked nothing of anyone.”

The French government announced on Wednesday, October 28, that a national tribute will be held for Wangi. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon did not specify the date or whether President Emmanuel Macron would preside over the ceremony.

More than 200 people gathered on Thursday, October 29, in Val-de-Reuil for a tribute organized by Mayor Marc-Antoine Jamet. Wangi's sister Ambre spoke at the event, saying her brother simply wanted to live his life, go to work, do his sport, and return home.

Ambre, accompanied by her mother, said she had wanted to reconnect with her brother after losing touch for several years. She also paid tribute to the other victims of the attack and called for peace, love, and solidarity.

The attack left seven people injured, four of them seriously. The mayor of Val-de-Reuil urged residents to block the National Rally in the 2027 elections.