Nantes: Teenage Girl Killed and Three Others Injured in School Stabbing by 15-Year-Old Student

A knife attack shocked the Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides high school in Nantes this Thursday, April 24, shortly after midday. A 15-year-old student, enrolled in the school’s sophomore class, stabbed four classmates across two classrooms, killing one teenage girl and injuring three others, one of them critically.

According to early findings in the investigation, the suspect may have acted following a dispute between students, though this theory remains to be confirmed. He first attacked a female student on the school’s second floor before descending and stabbing three more. The victims sustained varying degrees of injuries: one is in critical condition, another in moderate condition, and the third sustained minor injuries.

Signs of Premeditation?

The attacker, who was previously unknown to police and judicial authorities, was subdued by a school IT staff member before law enforcement arrived. Two knives, including a hunting knife, were found on the ground. The suspect was taken into police custody, where he reportedly remained silent and withdrawn, according to police sources. A psychiatric evaluation is underway, and his interview will be conducted with a lawyer and recorded on video, in accordance with legal procedures for minors.

Some students reported having received, shortly before the attack, a mass email containing cryptic and unsettling messages laced with esoteric symbols and references to “ecocide,” “social conditioning,” and “alienation.” For some witnesses, this points to premeditation.

A Quiet Neighborhood Shaken

The attacker is described as depressive but not radicalized, raising questions in what is considered a peaceful neighborhood. “It’s chilling. Nothing like this has ever happened here,” said one visibly shaken student.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Education Minister Élisabeth Borne are expected to visit the scene to support the school community. A psychological support unit has been set up to assist students and staff.