A shocking act of violence unfolded at a school in eastern France on Wednesday, September 24, when a 14-year-old student stabbed his music teacher before turning the knife on himself. The attack, which took place in Benfeld near Strasbourg, has rattled the community and raised new concerns about safety in French schools.
According to Strasbourg regional prosecutor Clarisse Taron, the teenager stabbed his 66-year-old teacher in the face during a classroom lesson.
As police arrived to intervene, the student turned the weapon on himself, inflicting severe injuries to his neck. He was rushed by helicopter to a Strasbourg hospital in critical condition after suffering cardio-respiratory arrest.
Authorities said the teacher’s injuries, though serious, are not life-threatening. The prosecutor confirmed the student’s life remains in danger and that he will remain sedated for at least 48 hours. Investigators are still working to establish the motive behind the attack.
Education Minister Elisabeth Borne announced she was immediately traveling to Benfeld to meet local officials and the school community. “We must support the pupils, staff, and families shaken by this shocking event,” she said in a brief statement.
The attack took place in a town of 6,000 residents, where local mayor Jacky Wolfarth described the incident as “isolated” but deeply distressing. Teachers and parents were visibly shaken as police secured the school grounds and provided reassurance to families.
An education authority spokesperson told Agence France-Presse that the student had weak academic results, and the school’s educational team had been working to support him. However, no clear warning signs indicated that such violence could occur.
The incident comes amid growing anxiety about violent episodes in French schools. Several recent cases have prompted authorities to introduce bag checks at some institutions.
Jean-Remi Girard, president of the SNALC teachers’ union, noted the cumulative impact of the Covid lockdowns on young people’s mental health, saying, “We know that pupils can sometimes go crazy. But there is no miracle solution.”
Girard added that while heightened security is under discussion, “We’re not going to equip our schools with metal detector gates.” Instead, he urged greater investment in psychological support and educational resources for struggling students.
As the investigation continues, the shocking classroom attack has reignited debate about how France can balance educational environments with safety concerns, and whether enough is being done to identify students in crisis before tragedies occur.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members