One of Paris Terrorists Was a French National of Algerian Origins

Rabat – The first of the suicide bombers responsible for the terrorist attack in Paris on Friday has been identified by French investigators as Ismail Omar Mostefai, a French national of Algerian origins.

On Sunday, a French judicial official who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity identified Ismael Omar Mostefai, 29, as one of the assailants.

French media said Mostefai, who had been flagged for his ties to Islamic radicalism, was one of the three men who blew themselves up at the Eagles of Death Metal concert.

He was identified after his finger was found among the carnage following the horrifying terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday.

Between 2004-2010, Mostefai was convicted for petty crimes eight times, according to Paris prosecutor Francois Molins, but did not serve any time in jail. His crimes included driving without a licence and insulting behaviour, according to Le Journal Du Centre newspaper.

His friends told the paper that he calmed down after the birth of his daughter. However, Mostefai’s former neighbors accused him of ‘abandoning’ his family. One said when they knew him he appeared to be a “charming, a great guy.”

Investigators are now probing whether he took a trip to Syria last year, according to police sources.

It was also reported that he was radicalized by a Belgian hate preacher of Moroccan descent who is said to have regularly preached at his mosque in Luce, south of Paris.

The killer’s father and 34-year-old brother were placed in custody on Saturday evening, and their homes were searched.

“It’s crazy, insane. I was in Paris myself last night, I saw what a mess it was,” Mostefai’s older brother told AFP before voluntarily attending a police station on Saturday.

He went on to add that he had not had contact with his brother for several years following family disputes, but said he was surprised to hear he had been radicalized.

The last he knew, Mostefai had gone to Algeria with his family and his “little girl,” he said, adding, “It’s been a time since I have had any news.”