This Thursday, November 7, 2024, a scene of rare violence broke out in front of the primary school of Saint-Florent-sur-Auzonnetnorth of Alès, in the Gard department. As the students finished their day, an altercation between two parents turned into drama. A shot was fired, causing panic among the witnesses, students and parents, present during this scene described as “apocalyptic” by the Alès prosecutor, Abdelkrim Grini.
An argument that escalates and a shot fired in front of the school
According to information reported by Midi Libre, the incident occurred when leaving class. What was initially just an argument between a student's father and mother, tensions escalated. The man allegedly pulled out a knife to threaten the mother. The terrified woman screamed for attention, prompting other parents present to intervene and try to stop the attack.
It is then that maternal grandfatherwitnessing the scene from his car parked nearby, intervened. Taking out a gun, he fired a shot in the direction of the attacker. The bullet, fortunately, ended up in the school gate, causing no injuries, but increasing confusion and fear among the witnesses present. “ People were screaming, you can imagine the almost apocalyptic scene in front of the school”described prosecutor Grini.
Rapid intervention by law enforcement
Alerted quickly, the police arrested the grandfather on site. The stabbing attacker fled before being apprehended shortly after. According to the prosecutor, this man was already wanted for previous violence against the mother, which adds a dramatic dimension to this already traumatic event.
Faced with the shock caused by this scene of great violence, National Education quickly deployed a psychological support unit. This aims to support the children, parents and teachers present during the altercation. The mother, deeply shocked, was transported to Alès hospital for treatment.
This event, which had a strong impact on the community of Saint-Florent-sur-Auzonnet, raised questions about security around schools. It also highlights the challenges of insecurity in rural areas.
Also read: Issoire: a 78-year-old man attacked with a knife in front of his wife
