France's anti-terrorism prosecutor has taken over the investigation into a school shooting near Marseille after findings linked the 14-year-old suspect to the True Crime Community movement.
France's national Anti Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) has assumed control of the investigation into a school shooting near Marseille. The move follows initial findings that suggested a link between the 14-year-old suspect and a group known as the True Crime Community (TCC).
The shooting occurred on Monday at the Joseph Lakanal middle school in Aubagne. According to Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone, the student opened fire shortly after 9 am local time (0700GMT) in a common area on the first floor. The suspect used a hunting rifle that had been hidden inside a guitar case, according to France 24.
Two individuals were injured in the initial volley: the school principal and a teacher. Both were hit in the lower limbs and transported to a hospital. Media reports indicate their injuries were not life-threatening.
Following the initial shots, the suspect moved to the second floor and fired twice more. One shot was discharged inside an occupied classroom, striking the blackboard. Aubagne Mayor Jean-Pierre Squillari stated that no students were injured during this second phase of the incident. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of carrying out the shooting.
The PNAT took over the case from the Marseille prosecutor’s office, which had initially opened an investigation into attempted murder. The transfer was prompted by evidence gathered during the examination of the minor’s digital devices.
In a statement, the PNAT noted that initial investigations point to “probable adherence to the True Crime Community (TCC) movement, as well as the framing of the criminal act carried out at his school within this ideology.”
France 24 reported that the suspect appeared to belong to this group. The network also featured commentary from Alexandre Rodde, a security consultant and author of the report "Understanding nihilistic violent extremism and the True Crime Community in France," though specific quotes from Rodde were not provided in the text summary.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the injured principal and teacher, as well as with the students and parents affected by the event. He praised the response of the school staff.
Authorities have stated that the shooting was unrelated to student protests currently taking place elsewhere in France. The incident has drawn attention to the potential influence of online communities on violent acts, with investigators focusing on the ideological framing of the attack.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck a military camp in southern Yemen with ballistic missiles, killing at least 53 recruits and wounding 200 others, according to local authorities.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck a Yemeni government military camp in Shabwa province with ballistic missiles, killing at least 53 soldiers and wounding 200 recruits.