On Thursday, a 15-year-old student allegedly stabbed four classmates during lunch at Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides secondary school in Nantes, killing one girl and seriously injuring others before being restrained by teachers.
The suspect is now in custody, and a psychiatric evaluation is underway, according to France24. A police source told France Info that the attacker began on the second floor of the building, targeting one student initially, then stabbing three others as they came down a staircase. He also reportedly entered two classrooms and was found carrying two knives.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou addressed the nation shortly after the incident. “This tragedy shows once again the endemic violence that exists in a part of our youth,” Bayrou said, according to the Guardian. “Fundamental questions must be asked in terms of education, values and respect for human life.”
Bayrou announced that checks inside and around schools will be ramped up immediately. He also said that a commission would be formed to study how to deal with teenage knife crime more effectively, including looking at weapon sales and knife ownership laws. The commission will also examine how other countries have approached similar problems.
French President Emmanuel Macron also responded to the event, offering his condolences and support. He commended the quick action of staff at the school.
“Bravery” was the word Macron used to describe the teachers who intervened to stop the attacker. He said the entire country mourned with the school community.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Elisabeth Borne and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau traveled to Nantes to stand with victims and students, expressing solidarity on behalf of the government. Images from the area showed a strong police and military presence as the investigation began.
Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides is a private school complex that includes primary and middle school buildings.
After the attack, the entire student body was placed on lockdown. School officials reached out to the families of the roughly 2,000 students enrolled, informing them of the situation and making sure that care was being provided to those present during the attack.
