In brief
On 12 Oct 2026, a 14‑year‑old student entered Lakanal middle school in Aubagne with a firearm and fired several shots, wounding a 53‑year‑old principal in the leg and a 37‑year‑old teacher in the thigh. No students were injured, and all pupils were secured within seconds. The suspect was promptly detained and is currently in custody. French officials say the incident is unrelated to ongoing protests over school conditions. The Education Minister is scheduled to visit the scene with the Interior Minister later that day.
By Maia Davies | 12 Oct 2026
A 14‑year‑old pupil was arrested at Lakanal middle school in Aubagne after a principal and a teacher were shot at the school. No students were harmed, but both staff members suffered non‑life‑threatening injuries.
According to Mayor Jean‑Pierre Squillari, the student was detained immediately after the incident. French media reported the suspect was 14, and police said the position of the injuries suggests the shots were fired from inside the building.
The principal, 53, was struck in the leg, while the teacher, 37, had a bullet graze to her thigh. Both received medical treatment and are recovering.
Authorities clarified that the shooting was not linked to the broader protests over school conditions that have affected several schools across France. BFMTV and Le Parisien cited sources familiar with the investigation to support this claim.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray took to social media to announce the attack and identity the suspect, stressing that the school remained safe. He, together with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, will visit the scene later that day to assess security measures and support the community.
All students were immediately confined and secured within seconds, according to Mayor Squillari, to prevent further harm. Police remain on standby as the investigation continues, with the suspect held in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
Image credit: AFP via Getty Images
