French student shoots headteacher and teacher with rifle in Aubagne

French authorities have launched an investigation into attempted murder after a 14-year-old student shot his headteacher and another teacher at a school in Aubagne, southern France. The incident, which occurred on Friday, saw the teenager deploy a hunting rifle to wound the two staff members before being taken into custody. Both victims were quickly transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained to their lower limbs.

According to investigators, the student managed to smuggle the weapon onto the school grounds by concealing the hunting rifle inside a guitar case. Once inside, he fired at least four shots, targeting the headteacher and the teacher. While the victims’ injuries are described as significant, they are not believed to be life-threatening. The local prosecutor stated that the teenager has so far refused to explain his actions, showing no intention of disclosing a motive for the attack.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his solidarity with the victims and the entire school community following the shooting. He also commended the faculty for their quick response, which authorities believe may have prevented further harm to other students and staff. Officials confirmed that the shooting appears to be an isolated incident and was not connected to any of the ongoing school protests currently taking place across various parts of France.

The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine how the minor gained access to the hunting rifle and whether there were any warning signs prior to the incident. Forensic teams have been processing the scene at the school, which was evacuated immediately following the gunfire. Counselors have been deployed to support students and staff traumatized by the event as the community grapples with the rare occurrence of school-based violence in the region.