Student fatally stabs peer and wounds three in Nantes school attack

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at the private Catholic Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides High School in Nantes, France. A high school student, armed with a knife, attacked four fellow students during what was reportedly a lunch break. The assailant's motivations for the attack are not yet clear, but it has been noted that the attacker sent an email earlier that day outlining unspecified grievances. Law enforcement quickly responded to the scene, leading to the assailant's arrest after teachers managed to subdue him. According to reports, one student died as a result of the injuries sustained in the attack, while three others were wounded, prompting a significant presence of police and emergency services at the school. Authorities evacuated the school in response to the chaos, and students described a frantic atmosphere, with many running for safety. The situation escalated quickly, leading to the closure of surrounding streets and mobilization of armed military forces in the area. The regional prosecutor announced a press conference to provide further details as the investigation begins, and education officials, including France's Education Minister Elisabeth Borne, expressed solidarity with victims and their families. This incident has raised concerns about safety in schools, particularly since fatal attacks are quite rare in France, an issue that may prompt further discussions about prevention and response measures in educational institutions across the country. As the investigation continues, it highlights the vital need for support systems and dialogue in the school environment, aiming to address grievances before they escalate to such tragic events.