A tragic incident unfolded at the Gambetta high school in Arras, northern France, where a teacher was killed and two others were seriously injured in a stabbing attack, according to officials.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed the incident and it has been reported that the attacker, believed to be in his 20s and a former pupil at the school, has been arrested. Witnesses report that the assailant shouted “Allahu Akbar”, translated to “God is greatest”, during the attack, as informed to AFP news agency by the police.
French media outlet BFMTV disclosed that the individual killed was a French language teacher, and among the injured is a sports teacher. Further, it has been reported that the attacker’s brother has also been taken into police custody.
The school attacker, identified to be of Chechen origin, was listed on the national security register, according to police sources. The immediate aftermath of the attack was managed and controlled by the police, ensuring safety and commencing their investigation.
In a showing of solidarity and mourning for the victims, The National Assembly in Paris has suspended its session. Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit the school later on Friday to pay respects and address the situation.
The motivations behind this brutal attack remain under investigation.
