14-Year-Old Student Fatally Stabs Teaching Assistant in French School
A tragic incident in France has reignited national concerns over school safety and youth violence. A 14-year-old student fatally stabbed a 31-year-old teaching assistant during a routine bag inspection at the Francoise Dolto school in Nogent, eastern France.
The attack occurred just before 8 am as students arrived and were having their bags visually checked in the presence of police officers. The student was immediately restrained and taken into custody. One officer sustained a minor injury during the intervention.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned what he called a “senseless wave of violence,” expressing the nation’s grief and reaffirming the government’s commitment to fighting crime. “While protecting our children, a teaching assistant lost her life,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The nation is in mourning and the government is mobilised to reduce crime.”
Emergency services quickly arrived at the school, and classes were suspended on June 10 and 11. The victim, described as a dedicated educator, was also a wife and mother.
Residents expressed sorrow and shock, noting that such violence could happen anywhere. “Today it happened in Nogent, but it could happen anywhere,” said one resident who knew the victim.
The tragedy comes amid increasing concern over the rise of knife possession among children in France. Random checks introduced in March have led to the seizure of 186 knives during 6,000 inspections, according to the Interior Ministry.
Prime Minister Francois Bayrou acknowledged the severity of the issue, describing the proliferation of knives among young people as “critical” and calling for it to be treated as a public enemy.
Education Minister Elisabeth Borne visited the school to show support for staff and students. “I commend the composure and dedication of those who acted to subdue the attacker and protect the students and staff,” she said.
Teaching unions voiced anger and sorrow. Sophie Venetitay of SNES-FSU, the largest union for middle and high school teachers, noted that assistants are educators, not security guards, and should not be exposed to such danger.
The incident has also drawn political criticism. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, accused the government of allowing a “normalisation of extreme violence” and called for a firmer political response. “Not a week goes by without a tragedy striking a school,” she said.
As the country mourns, educators, parents, and political leaders are left grappling with urgent questions about how to better protect schools while addressing the deeper societal issues driving youth violence.
