In a shocking incident on Thursday, April 24, 2025, a 15-year-old student launched a violent knife attack at the Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides high school in Nantes, France, resulting in the death of one student and injuries to three others. The attack unfolded around 12:30 PM, during school hours, when the assailant entered the premises armed with two knives, including a hunting knife.
According to reports from various news outlets, including BFM TV and Franceinfo, the assailant first targeted a female student on the second floor of the school, stabbing her multiple times. He then descended to the first floor, where he attacked three additional students, all of whom were boys. Tragically, one victim, a girl, succumbed to her injuries, while another is in critical condition and the remaining two sustained less severe wounds.
The suspect, identified as Justin P., was described as a second-grade student at the school and was reportedly unknown to police and intelligence services prior to the incident. Witnesses reported that he was dressed entirely in black, wearing a helmet and balaclava during the attack. Teachers at the school acted swiftly, overpowering the assailant before law enforcement arrived on the scene.
In the hours leading up to the attack, students reportedly received a troubling 13-page manifesto via email from the suspect. The document criticized the current global system and expressed bleak views on society, but it did not explicitly mention any plans for violence. Following the attack, students were confined to the gymnasium, with many expressing shock and fear as they awaited news of their classmates.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Minister of National Education Élisabeth Borne were expected to visit the school later in the day to offer their support to the victims and the school community. Retailleau confirmed the tragic events on social media, expressing his condolences and commitment to addressing security in schools.
As the investigation unfolds, local authorities have emphasized that there is currently no indication of a terrorist motive behind the attack. However, the prosecutor of the Republic of Nantes, Antoine Leroy, is closely monitoring the situation, and a press conference originally scheduled for Thursday evening was postponed.
In the aftermath of the incident, parents gathered outside the school, anxiously waiting to reunite with their children. Many expressed their concern and sorrow over the violence that erupted in what should be a safe environment for learning. One parent, Nicolas, shared his feelings, saying, "We're waiting to be able to hold them in our arms... to help them deal with the stress this will have caused."
The school, which serves approximately 2,000 students from kindergarten through high school, has been placed on lockdown, and police have established a security perimeter around the area. As students began to leave the gymnasium under police escort later in the afternoon, the emotional toll of the day's events was evident. Reports indicated that many students were in tears, struggling to process the violence they had witnessed.
In response to the attack, the school administration has initiated psychological support services for students and staff affected by the incident. A local council member responsible for security in Nantes, Bassem Asseh, was also present at the scene, working alongside law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community.
This incident marks a tragic escalation in school violence in France, a country that has seen its share of similar attacks in recent years. The community of Nantes, known for its vibrant culture and history, now grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event. As investigations continue, questions remain about the motives behind the attack and how such violence can be prevented in the future.
As the nation mourns the loss of a young life and supports the injured, the focus will shift towards ensuring the safety of students in schools across France. The broader implications of this attack will likely resonate beyond Nantes, prompting discussions about mental health, conflict resolution among youth, and the role of educational institutions in fostering a safe environment for all students.
