On Thursday, April 17, 2025, a shocking shooting incident unfolded in the Villejean district of Rennes, leaving four individuals injured and prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities.
Around 5:30 PM, three hooded men, armed with a Kalashnikov and handguns, opened fire in front of a Subway restaurant, striking three young victims aged between 18 and 23 years old. A fourth victim, a 20-year-old man, was hit by a vehicle while attempting to flee the scene. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as passers-by ran for cover amidst the gunfire.
According to the Rennes prosecutor's office, the three young victims were hospitalized, but their lives are not in danger. "The news regarding their health is reassuring; there is no immediate threat to their lives," stated Rennes Mayor Nathalie Appéré shortly after the incident.
Charles Compagnon, a municipal councilor who was present in the restaurant during the shooting, recounted the harrowing experience. "We saw young people enter, panicked and seemingly fleeing from someone. That's when I noticed a determined-looking man arriving with a long black assault rifle, a Kalashnikov, with a curved magazine," he told RTL. "We all hit the ground as they fired just above us, injuring three young individuals. It was surreal, like something out of a Tarantino film. I was terrified; I thought if they came to finish the job, we were all dead."
The investigation is focusing on a potential settling of accounts linked to drug trafficking in the area. Rennes has seen a troubling rise in gun violence, often associated with narcotics. This incident is not isolated; there have been previous shootings in the Villejean district, with similar patterns emerging.
In the aftermath of the shooting, four individuals have been arrested. One suspect, a 20-year-old known to judicial authorities, was apprehended near a burned vehicle where a handgun and a balaclava were discovered. The RAID, a specialized police unit, arrested three additional suspects that night, all of whom are also known to law enforcement.
As the investigation unfolds, the local community remains on edge. Mayor Appéré has called for increased police presence in the area, emphasizing that residents are demanding more security. "The population expects police support; it's a strong and recurring request. There were many people on the Kennedy slab, and this is traumatic for those who witnessed it," she remarked.
Video footage of the incident has circulated on social media, capturing the frantic escape of the shooters, who fled in a grey Peugeot 2008. The police are currently analyzing this footage as part of their ongoing investigation.
The shooting has reignited discussions about safety in Rennes, particularly in the Villejean district, which has a history of violent crime linked to drug trafficking. Local officials are urging for a national strategy to combat the narcotics issues plaguing the area. "Residents living near drug dealing spots experience untenable situations, living in constant fear that needs to be addressed," Mayor Appéré stated.
This incident marks a troubling continuation of violence in the area, as similar events occurred earlier this year, with shootings reported on January 5 and 11, leading to injuries among bystanders. The community's desire for safety and security remains a pressing concern as the investigation continues.
As of now, the police have not confirmed a direct link between the shooting and ongoing drug trafficking operations, but the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the motives behind the shooting and apprehend all individuals involved.
In light of this incident, the Rennes community is left grappling with the reality of violence in their neighborhoods, calling for action and vigilance from law enforcement to ensure their safety.
