On April 17, 2025, a shocking shooting incident unfolded in the Villejean district of Rennes, France, around 5:30 PM. The chaos erupted near the Kennedy slab, specifically inside a Subway restaurant located at 25 Cour du Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy. According to local sources, three armed men entered the establishment and opened fire, injuring several individuals.
Four people were reported injured in the incident. Three of them were shot—two inside the Subway and one on the Cour—while a fourth individual was struck by a vehicle during the commotion. Fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening. Nathalie Appéré, the mayor of Rennes, provided updates on the victims' conditions, stating, "Their news is reassuring; there is no life-threatening prognosis for these four victims." All injured were promptly transported to the CHU de Rennes for medical attention.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the events that transpired. Charles Compagnon, an opposition city councilor who was present in the Subway at the time, recounted the terrifying moments. "I was having a coffee when I saw young people rush in, panicked, taking cover behind us. Through the window, I saw three individuals arrive, one armed with what appeared to be an assault rifle, a weapon of war. We lay down on the floor. The armed individuals fired at least four or five shots, injuring three people in the legs and stomach," he explained, visibly shaken by the experience.
The police quickly responded to the scene, deploying significant resources including three fire trucks and four police vehicles. The CRS82 unit was mobilized rapidly and will remain in the area for a few days to ensure public safety. Mayor Appéré confirmed this, stating, "I obtained assurances that they will stay for several days. We need more police presence in the Rennes area to address the community's strong demand for safety."
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have opened a case for attempted murder by an organized gang. However, it remains unclear if this latest shooting is directly linked to drug trafficking activities in the neighborhood. Mayor Appéré noted that the Villejean district has a history of violence related to drug trade, saying, "It is too early to establish a direct link between this afternoon's events and drug trafficking. However, everyone can see that the various incidents occurring in this neighborhood have been rooted in drug trafficking."
This incident comes just days after another shooting in the same area, where a young lookout was injured, further highlighting the ongoing issues of violence and drug-related crime in Villejean. Residents of the neighborhood expressed their shock and concern over the escalating violence. Moulay, a 52-year-old local who has lived in Villejean for about twenty years, voiced his alarm, saying, "This is not the first time. But now... it's broad daylight, and the level of danger is higher. There could be stray bullets. There have already been injuries from stray bullets in Villejean."
Following the shooting, a security perimeter was established, restricting access to the Subway and nearby businesses as investigators worked to gather evidence. The presence of police technicians, judicial investigators, and CRS officers was notable, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
The community's fear and unease were palpable, as many voiced their concerns about safety in the area. "We heard gunfire, then saw people running away," recounted a woman working nearby, still shaken from the experience. The local government is under increasing pressure to address the violence that has plagued the Villejean district, with calls for a more substantial police presence to restore safety.
This recent shooting incident is part of a troubling trend in Rennes, where violence linked to drug trafficking has been on the rise. On January 11, 2025, another shooting incident occurred in the same area, resulting in injuries to two men. The ongoing violence has left residents feeling vulnerable and anxious about their safety.
As the investigation continues, local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The community is hoping for swift justice and measures to prevent further incidents. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In the wake of this incident, the residents of Villejean are left grappling with the reality of living in a neighborhood marked by violence and fear. The need for effective intervention and support from law enforcement is more pressing than ever, as the community seeks to reclaim its sense of safety and security.
