14-Year-Old Student Accused of Opening Fire at French Middle School, Leaving Two Staff Members Injured

A 14-year-old student is accused of opening fire inside a middle school in southern France, injuring two members of the school staff and prompting an urgent response from local authorities. The incident unfolded on October 12 at Joseph Lakanal Middle School in Aubagne, a town near Marseille, according to French investigators.

Prosecutors allege that the teenager entered the school carrying a guitar case containing a shotgun. He reportedly fired at the school principal and a teacher before moving upstairs, where he allegedly fired another round near a third teacher and inside a classroom occupied by students. Authorities have not reported any deaths in connection with the incident.

The school principal suffered injuries described as non-life-threatening and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The injured teacher was also transported to a hospital but was later discharged, according to prosecutors. No students were injured, and officials said school staff acted quickly to protect those inside the building.

A member of the school staff reportedly intervened and restrained the teenager before the situation could escalate further. Aubagne Mayor Jean-Pierre Squillari said students were quickly confined to secure areas, emphasizing that the school community was brought to safety within seconds of the incident.

Investigators are examining the teenager’s alleged motive. According to prosecutors, he told investigators that he wanted revenge over what he described as bullying by teachers and fellow students. He allegedly said he had been planning the attack for several months, although he denied intending to kill anyone. Authorities have stressed that the motive described by the teenager has not been independently confirmed.

Investigators also reportedly examined his digital accounts and found an account that shared violent material, including posts related to school shootings. A judicial investigation was opened on October 14, with authorities continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, the teenager’s actions and any potential warning signs before the shooting.

The case has renewed concerns about school safety and how authorities can identify and respond to warning signs before violence occurs. While the investigation continues, officials have not reported any student fatalities, and the two injured staff members survived the incident.

Source: PEOPLE