Knife Attack at Nantes Private School Leaves One Student Dead, Three Injured
On April 24, 2025, a knife attack at Nantes' Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides school resulted in one fatality and three injuries, sparking concerns about school safety in France. The alleged attacker, a student, was apprehended on-site. Authorities are investigating the motives behind the targeted assault as the community grapples with the tragedy.
hassan benyoub 
Nantes, France – A devastating knife attack at the private Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides school in Nantes on April 24, 2025, claimed the life of a second-year student and left three others seriously injured, sending shockwaves through the community. The incident, which occurred shortly after 12:45 PM, has raised concerns about school safety in France as authorities investigate the motive behind the targeted assault.
Chaos at Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides
The attack took place in the Doulon neighborhood of Nantes at Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides, a private school with 2,000 students from kindergarten to high school, according to its official website cited by Le Monde. Emergency services arrived to a critical scene where several students had been stabbed, one fatally. The school was quickly evacuated, with students gathered in the multipurpose hall as police sealed off Rue des Épinettes to secure the area, per Ouest France.
Students in Shock After the Attack
The incident left students and staff in a state of shock and confusion. A first-year student recounted to Ouest France, “We saw students crying, heard screams, but no one understood what was happening.” Another senior student added, “These are things we see in TV series, not in our school,” reflecting the disbelief among the school community as they grappled with the tragedy.
Suspect Apprehended at the Scene
The alleged attacker, identified as a student at the school, was apprehended on-site after being restrained by a staff member before police arrived, according to BBC News. Dressed entirely in black, wearing a helmet and a balaclava to conceal his face, the suspect was armed with two knives found at the scene. Initial investigations suggest the attack was targeted, though the motive remains unclear, as stated by Nantes public prosecutor Antoine Leroy, who visited the school and is set to hold a press conference, per Le Monde.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
Alongside Leroy, Bassem Asseh, Nantes’ deputy mayor in charge of security, was present at the scene to oversee the response. Authorities, supported by a significant police presence and emergency services, are working to piece together the events leading up to the attack. Christelle Morançais, president of the Pays de la Loire region, expressed her devastation, stating, “I am deeply shaken by this tragedy,” as reported by BBC News. The investigation continues to determine the circumstances and motivations behind this violent act.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
The knife attack at Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides has left the Nantes community reeling, with one student dead and three others fighting for recovery. As the investigation unfolds, questions about school safety and the underlying causes of such violence are at the forefront. This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the challenges facing educational institutions in ensuring the security of their students.
Stay updated on the Nantes school attack investigation and school safety developments in France with our ongoing coverage.
