Pupil, 16, stabs teacher to death in classroom in south-west France

A 16-year old pupil stabbed a teacher to death this morning (February 22) in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

The boy stabbed the Spanish teacher in the chest at Saint-Thomas d'Aquin, a private Catholic school in the town, during a lesson.

He is reported to have used a tool resembling a screwdriver after locking the classroom doors, according to eyewitnesses. The female teacher died of cardiac arrest.

The 16-year old is being held in custody.

Government spokesperson Olivier Véran confirmed the details of the attack this afternoon, and Education Minister Pap Ndiaye tweeted his condolences to the family of the victim and pupils of the school.

Immense émotion suite au décès aujourd'hui d'une professeure au lycée Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin à Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Mes pensées pour sa famille, ses collègues et ses élèves. Je me rends sans délai sur place.

— Pap Ndiaye (@PapNdiaye) February 22, 2023

There is no indication that the attack was terror-related. The boy is believed to have suffered from mental health issues and to have told police after the attack that he was “possessed” and heard voices, reports Franceinfo.

Fellow pupils claim he was taking medicine for stress-related issues.

A press conference will be held later today, announced the Ministry of Education.

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