ANGOULEME, France — A man was gravely injured on Wednesday after he allegedly set fire to the town hall in the western French city of Angoulême, leading to a dramatic police intervention. The incident unfolded in the 19th-century municipal building, where the 46-year-old assailant, dressed in military battledress, doused a first-floor room with petrol.
According to local authorities and police sources, the man stormed into the town hall and began pouring petrol around the room where two female aides to local councillors were working. The aides managed to escape the room and called for help, prompting an immediate response from the local police.
“The assailant poured petrol in the room, but fortunately, the aides were able to escape and alert the police,” Prefect Jérôme Harnois stated during a press conference. The quick actions of the aides and the subsequent arrival of the authorities prevented any casualties among the town hall staff.
Harnois revealed that the police officers, faced with the escalating situation, resorted to using their firearms after their attempts to subdue the attacker with a truncheon proved ineffective. The man was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital in “very grave condition,” according to a police source.
The attacker, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, did not have a prior criminal record, and his motives for the violent act remain unclear. Angoulême’s Mayor Xavier Bonnefont confirmed that the fire was swiftly extinguished, minimizing damage to the historic building.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin took to X (formerly Twitter) to reassure the public, stating that “no one was hurt apart from the perpetrator.” The incident has sparked widespread concern, leading to a full investigation by local prosecutors.
In a statement, Harnois noted that the attacker is a French citizen, but no further details about his background or possible motives have been released. The authorities are working to piece together the circumstances leading up to the attack and are expected to provide more information as the investigation progresses.
The attack on the town hall has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting concerns about security and the safety of public spaces. As the investigation continues, local officials are urging residents to remain calm and are providing support to those affected by the incident.
This event underscores the importance of preparedness and rapid response in ensuring public safety during such emergencies. The authorities are committed to uncovering the full extent of the situation and addressing any underlying issues that may have contributed to this alarming act of violence.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
