Paris [France], April 25: A teenager killed a fellow student and injured three others in a knife attack at a secondary school in the western French city of Nantes on Thursday.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, speaking at the scene, praised school staff for overpowering the attacker, likely preventing further casualties, as well as the police and first responders. "This is a tragedy that has shocked the entire nation," Retailleau said.
The accused attacker, a 15-year-old student at the private Catholic school, entered two classrooms around midday and stabbed four students. He first attacked a female student, who later died from her injuries, before moving to a floor below to attack others. According to media reports citing police sources, the school's IT officer confronted the attacker, pursued him and overpowered him. Two knives were found on the student.
Shortly before his stabbing spree, the assailant sent a message to all his classmates via the school's intranet, in which he painted a bleak picture of society, according to media reports.
"My thoughts are with the families, the students and the entire educational community, whose shock and grief are shared by the nation," said French President Emmanuel Macron. "Through their intervention, the teachers undoubtedly prevented further tragedies. Their courage deserves respect." (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
