Teen Arrested After Teachers Shot at French School

A 14-year-old pupil has been arrested after a shooting at a middle school in southern France left the head teacher and another teacher injured, prompting an attempted murder investigation.

Shooting at Aubagne School

The pupil allegedly entered Lakanal middle school in Aubagne, near Marseille, on Monday morning carrying a shotgun inside a guitar case before opening fire. Regional officials said a member of staff restrained him before he was taken into police custody. Aubagne Mayor Jean-Pierre Squillari confirmed that no children were injured and said the two teachers sustained injuries that were not life-threatening. A third person was reportedly treated for minor injuries.

Teachers Injured as Students Take Cover

The head teacher, 53, was reportedly shot in the leg and lower back, while a 37-year-old teacher was wounded in the thigh, according to local reports. Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone said the suspect injured the two teachers on the first floor before moving upstairs and firing twice more. One shot was directed towards the floor in front of a teacher, while another struck a classroom chalkboard. No students or additional teachers were hit in those shots, although those present were left shaken.

Police Investigate Motive

The Marseille prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into attempted murder. Local media, citing police sources, reported that the incident was not believed to be connected to ongoing protests over school conditions. French media later reported that the suspect’s father was also taken into custody after weapons were discovered during a search of the family home. Authorities have not established a motive for the shooting.

School Closed as Support Is Arranged

Officials said students were quickly confined to safe areas after the shooting. A psychological support unit was established at the school to assist children and staff affected by the incident. Squillari said the suspect’s father had previously requested a meeting with the school’s educational adviser, although officials had not confirmed whether that was connected to the attack.

Macron Condemns Violence

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Education Minister Édouard Geffray visited the scene. Nuñez announced that the school would remain closed to pupils on Tuesday. President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the teachers, students and parents, praising the school staff for their response. Geffray also condemned the shooting, calling it unacceptable and urging society to confront rising violence.