NANTES, France – A 15-year-old student fatally stabbed a fellow pupil and injured three others in a violent incident at a high school in Nantes, western France, on Thursday (April 24). The attacker was eventually restrained by teachers before police arrived at the scene, according to authorities. While police did not confirm the identities of the victims, French broadcaster BFM TV reported that the student who died was a girl, and the three injured were boys. The attack took place at Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides, a private Catholic school, shortly after midday.

A police spokesperson stated that there was currently no evidence suggesting a terrorist motive. Following the incident, students were temporarily held inside the school and later released under police supervision. Outside, anxious parents gathered, awaiting news of their children. “We just want to hold them and help them cope with the trauma,” said Nicolas, a parent waiting outside the school.

A classmate of the suspect said the boy had previously expressed admiration for Nazi ideology, which many thought was a joke. “He talked about Hitler’s ideas and wanting to bring them back,” she said. French media outlets also reported that shortly before the stabbing, the teen had sent a lengthy email to the entire school. The message reportedly contained environmental and anti-globalisation themes, but did not hint at any violent intentions.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau criticized what he described as a culture of leniency, linking it to the rise in such violent acts. However, Nantes Mayor Johanna Rolland urged caution, saying it was too early to draw political conclusions. She emphasized the importance of addressing youth mental health in France. Prosecutors are expected to provide more details at a press briefing on Friday.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.