On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Villejean district of Rennes was shaken by a violent shooting that left four individuals injured, including three who were shot. The incident occurred around 5:30 PM on the Kennedy slab, a location that has recently seen an uptick in gun violence linked to drug trafficking.
According to local reports, three hooded assailants arrived in a vehicle, two of whom were armed with long guns resembling Kalashnikovs. They opened fire indiscriminately, targeting the Kennedy slab and a nearby Subway restaurant. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with one witness stating, "I heard three or four gunshots and a car speeding down my street; then there was silence." Another resident recounted seeing the attackers firing into the air.
The police and emergency services quickly responded, deploying significant resources to the scene, including three fire trucks and multiple police vehicles. The victims, aged between 18 and 23, were transported to the CHU of Rennes. One young man is reported to be in critical condition after being shot in the chest, while another sustained abdominal injuries, and a third was shot in the knee. A fourth victim was struck by the assailants' vehicle during their escape.
Rennes Mayor Nathalie Appéré visited the site shortly after the shooting and expressed her shock at the incident. "This is a particularly traumatic episode for our community," she said. "Everyone is shocked and traumatized by this event." She also noted that the local residents have been demanding increased police presence in response to a series of violent incidents in recent months.
This shooting is not an isolated event; Villejean has experienced several violent episodes in the past few months, including shootings on January 5 and January 11, 2025, where numerous shell casings were found. The area has been a hotspot for drug-related violence, with tensions rising among competing gangs. Mayor Appéré acknowledged the ongoing issues, stating, "It is still too early to establish a direct link to drug trafficking, but it is clear that recent events are connected to rivalries between gangs."
In the wake of the shooting, the police have launched an investigation, focusing on the possibility of a drug-related turf war. The Division of Organized and Specialized Crime (DCOS) is overseeing the inquiry, and authorities are working diligently to apprehend the suspects, who remain at large.
Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of the chaos that unfolded. A 12-year-old boy named Theo, who was playing nearby, described his experience: "I was playing in the park when I heard the shots. I ran very fast and saw men in black shooting into the air." His father witnessed the moment a pedestrian was struck by the assailants' car, adding to the horror of the scene.
Local officials, including opposition leader Charles Compagnon, were present in the Subway restaurant during the shooting. Compagnon expressed disbelief at the violence that erupted, stating, "I can't believe what just happened; it's unbelievable." His presence during the incident highlights the pervasive fear and concern among local leaders regarding safety in the area.
In response to the shooting, the police have increased their presence in Villejean. The CRS 82, a riot control unit, has been deployed to ensure the safety of residents and deter further violence. Mayor Appéré emphasized the community's demand for a stronger police presence, stating, "This is a strong demand from the residents, and we continue to relay it to the authorities."
The situation in Villejean reflects a broader trend of rising violence in Rennes, as the city grapples with issues related to drug trafficking and gang conflicts. The local government is under pressure to address these problems effectively, as residents express their fears for safety in their neighborhoods.
As the investigation unfolds, local authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The community is left reeling from this latest act of violence, hoping for a swift resolution and a return to peace in the Villejean district.
