At the Roman Catholic high school in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a beach resort town in southwestern France, a 16-year-old student stabbed a Spanish-language teacher to death on Wednesday. The victim was a woman of around 50 years old, according to local lawmaker Vincent Bru.
The pupil is now being held in custody, and a murder investigation is underway. It is believed that the attack was premeditated, as reported by local prosecutor Jerome Bourrier.
Two students who were in the classroom at the time of the stabbing said that the attacker stood up during a lesson and walked to the door, before turning around and stabbing the teacher. The pupils then fled in panic.
Education Minister Pap Ndiaye stated that a minute of silence will be held in schools tomorrow, although much of France is on winter break. He added that the school is known for its seriousness and serenity, and there was no indication that such a tragedy could take place.