France investigates school shooting linked to True Crime Community

A 14-year-old student has been placed in pretrial detention following a shooting at a school near Aubagne, in southeastern France, which wounded a principal and a teacher. The teenager, who entered the school with a hunting rifle concealed in a guitar case, reportedly claimed he was motivated by revenge against teachers and students but denied any intent to kill, stating he aimed for non-lethal areas.

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office is investigating the minor's suspected links to the ‘True Crime Community’ (TCC), a movement fascinated by mass shootings. Investigators also detained a 13-year-old boy for questioning after discovering he had exchanged messages on TikTok with the shooter.

French anti-terrorism prosecutor Olivier Christen expressed concern regarding the influence of such groups, noting that while cases are currently relatively small, they are increasing across the European Union. A psychological examination conducted during custody did not find evidence of a mental pathology, though the defense has requested further expert assessments.