Student Opens Fire at Aubagne College Injuring Staff Members

A 14-year-old student was detained on October 12, 2026, after allegedly firing a hunting rifle inside Joseph-Lakanal College in Aubagne, France, injuring the principal and a teacher. The Marseille prosecutor opened an investigation for attempted murder while authorities examined the circumstances of the attack.

According to BFMTV and RTL, the two injured staff members were treated by emergency services and their lives were not in danger. The student was arrested after the shooting, and investigators searched the family home where several weapons were found.

RTL reported that the suspect entered the school with a 12-gauge hunting rifle hidden in a guitar case. The motive remains unknown, with prosecutors saying all possible explanations are being examined.

Police and prosecutors continued investigating the teenager's actions and access to the weapon. The suspect's father was placed in custody over weapons possession, while his mother was also detained as part of the inquiry.

Laurent Nuñez, the Interior Minister, said the circumstances suggested preparation before the incident.

"This act was clearly prepared since the prosecutor opened an investigation for attempted murder," said Laurent Nuñez, Interior Minister.

Nuñez said investigators would determine the motive and described the event as a serious incident. He also visited the school with Education Minister Édouard Geffray to meet the educational community.

"An event that is serious and dramatic," said Laurent Nuñez, Interior Minister.

"Investigations are underway," said Laurent Nuñez, Interior Minister.

Édouard Geffray addressed questions about school security measures after visiting Joseph-Lakanal College. He said security gates would not have prevented this type of incident involving a regularly enrolled student.

"Restore the taboo of the inviolability of schools and teachers," said Édouard Geffray, Education Minister.

"A security gate this morning would not have prevented the violence," said Édouard Geffray, Education Minister.

Geffray also noted that security searches were already conducted at the school. The injured teacher returned home, while the principal remained hospitalized.

"A great deal of searches are carried out," said Édouard Geffray, Education Minister.

The mayor of Aubagne, Jean-Pierre Squillari, described confusion during the evacuation after an alarm issue. He said some students encountered the armed student before returning to classrooms for safety.

"With the intrusion alarm, people must take shelter, but it was the fire alarm that sounded. Students went out with teachers, some came face to face with the student with the weapon. There was a moment of panic, they lay down, and then they quickly returned to the classroom and locked themselves in," said Jean-Pierre Squillari, Mayor of Aubagne.

Students described the aftermath as traumatic, while officials offered psychological support. One student told BFMTV about fears of returning to class.

"I already have a knot in my stomach about going back to class," said a student at Joseph-Lakanal College.

President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for the victims and praised the response of school staff.

"The exemplary reaction of the educational team, which made it possible to avoid the worst," said Emmanuel Macron, President of France.

"Nothing can justify such violence against those whose mission is to educate our children," said Nicolas Isnard, President of Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis.

Nicolas Isnard called for institutions and the community to stand together to protect schools and education workers.

"Stand together to defend and protect the school and those who bring it to life," said Nicolas Isnard, President of Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis.

The prosecutor's office said the suspect was not previously known to police. RTL reported that a police source said the student had claimed he was being bullied at the school.

"All avenues must be explored and all hypotheses remain open," said the Marseille deputy prosecutor.

The mayor described the teenager as a quiet student and said the father had previously requested a meeting with the school's education adviser.

"A child like all the others, quiet," said Jean-Pierre Squillari, Mayor of Aubagne.

"Requested a meeting with the CPE," said Jean-Pierre Squillari, Mayor of Aubagne.

Macron also expressed support for the school community after the attack.

"Full solidarity," said Emmanuel Macron, President of France.

"Composure," said Emmanuel Macron, President of France.