Toulouse. A man arrives armed during a Charlie Hebdo conference: what we know

What were this man's intentions? This Friday, January 17, 2025, the Departmental Council organized a round table in the Hôtel du Département, boulevard de la Marquette, in Toulouse, on the subject of freedom of expression. A meeting which was included in the program for the sad anniversary of the attack on Charlie Hebdo10 years ago.

Around 7 p.m., a man who wanted to attend the debate was searched at the entrance. Security agents found a revolver, loaded with blanks, on him.

#1. What happened?

“As part of the security measures in force [dans le cadre du plan Vigipirate urgence attentat, NDLR]the security agents of the Departmental Council, who were carrying out checks at the entrance to the building, arrested a person, wishing to access the conference, in possession of a handgun. They immediately requested the assistance of the police who intervened to carry out the arrest,” reported the Department this Saturday morning.

#2. What is the profile of this man?

According to the first information collected by Toulouse News from a police source, this man would be around 70 years old. He is still in police custody this Saturday morning.

What were his motivations? This is what the investigation will have to demonstrate. They remain, for the moment, unknown.

#3. What was found at his house?

The individual's home was searched. Other weapons, also loaded with blanks, were discovered there.

#4. Who were the Department's guests on Friday evening?

Several personalities were present this Friday evening to debate the theme: “Freedom of expression: 10 years later, what remains of the Charlie spirit? “.

Journalists and cartoonists were invited: Julien Sérignacpresident of “Draw, Create, Freedom”, Thibaut Bruttingeneral director of “Reporters Without Borders”, Antonio Fischettirefer to Charlie Hebdo since 1997 and press cartoonists Sié, Large, Giemsithe press cartoonist Traxas well as the press cartoonist and president of the “Cartooning For Peace” association, Sis.

The debate was moderated by David Medionidirector of the media observatory at the Jean Jaurès Foundation, former editor-in-chief ofFreeze frames.

#5. What will the Department do?

This Saturday morning, the president of the Departmental Council, Sebastien Vincinipraised “the composure and professionalism of the Department’s security agents” and thanked the “law enforcement for their diligence and efficiency.”

If the security protocol put in place last night allowed the arrest of this man, Sébastien Vincini indicates that he wants to further strengthen the system. “The Departmental Council will increase the security of its buildings,” declares the community.

Note that after this questioning, the conference was able to take place normally.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.