French Student Arrested After Stabbing Attack at Private Catholic School Leaves One Dead, Three Injured

French Student Arrested After Stabbing Attack at Private Catholic School Leaves One Dead, Three Injured

Lyon, France – April 24, 2025

Tragedy struck a private Catholic school in Lyon on Thursday morning when a 16-year-old student launched a violent stabbing attack, killing one teacher and injuring three others. The suspect, identified as a French national and current student of the school, was quickly subdued and taken into custody by local authorities.

The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. at Saint-Laurent Institute, a well-regarded private Catholic secondary school located in a quiet residential neighborhood in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon. According to witnesses and initial reports from law enforcement, the suspect entered a classroom during the first period and began attacking individuals with a knife he had concealed in his backpack.

The victim who died has been identified as a 52-year-old literature teacher, known for her dedication to students and years of service at the school. Emergency responders attempted to revive her on-site, but she succumbed to her injuries shortly after their arrival.

Three others—two students and one additional staff member—sustained injuries during the attack. All were transported to local hospitals. Authorities confirmed that one of the injured remains in critical condition, while the others are stable and receiving medical care.

Parents were alerted immediately, and the school was placed under lockdown until police confirmed that there was no further threat. Students were later evacuated under supervision, and many were reunited with their families by mid-afternoon.

A Nation in Shock

The violent attack has left the local community—and the nation at large—shaken. French President Emmanuel Macron posted a statement on social media, expressing condolences to the victim’s family and calling the incident “an unacceptable act of violence in a place of learning and safety.”

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin also addressed the public, stating that a full investigation is underway and that law enforcement will determine whether the attack was premeditated or linked to any extremist ideologies. At this stage, investigators are treating the suspect as a lone actor, and no additional threats have been identified.

According to preliminary reports, the student had no prior criminal record or documented behavioral issues at school, though classmates have described him as “quiet” and “withdrawn.” Authorities have seized the student’s personal computer and other belongings as part of their investigation into potential motives.

Support and Solidarity

Grief counselors and crisis response teams have been dispatched to the school to provide support to students and staff. Vigils are already being organized in the Lyon community, with hundreds expected to gather in front of the school gates this evening.

Catholic education authorities issued a statement offering prayers and solidarity with the victims and families affected. “This heinous act has no place in our schools,” the statement read. “We mourn the loss of a devoted teacher and support the recovery of those injured.”

As the investigation continues, Saint-Laurent Institute will remain closed for the remainder of the week. Education Minister Élisabeth Borne confirmed that measures will be reviewed to ensure the safety of all schools in France moving forward.

The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the challenges facing educators and students in an increasingly unpredictable world. For now, the community of Lyon mourns together, united in sorrow and searching for answers.

Lyon, France – April 24, 2025

Tragedy struck a private Catholic school in Lyon on Thursday morning when a 16-year-old student launched a violent stabbing attack, killing one teacher and injuring three others. The suspect, identified as a French national and current student of the school, was quickly subdued and taken into custody by local authorities.

The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. at Saint-Laurent Institute, a well-regarded private Catholic secondary school located in a quiet residential neighborhood in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon. According to witnesses and initial reports from law enforcement, the suspect entered a classroom during the first period and began attacking individuals with a knife he had concealed in his backpack.

The victim who died has been identified as a 52-year-old literature teacher, known for her dedication to students and years of service at the school. Emergency responders attempted to revive her on-site, but she succumbed to her injuries shortly after their arrival.

Three others—two students and one additional staff member—sustained injuries during the attack. All were transported to local hospitals. Authorities confirmed that one of the injured remains in critical condition, while the others are stable and receiving medical care.

Parents were alerted immediately, and the school was placed under lockdown until police confirmed that there was no further threat. Students were later evacuated under supervision, and many were reunited with their families by mid-afternoon.

A Nation in Shock

The violent attack has left the local community—and the nation at large—shaken. French President Emmanuel Macron posted a statement on social media, expressing condolences to the victim’s family and calling the incident “an unacceptable act of violence in a place of learning and safety.”

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin also addressed the public, stating that a full investigation is underway and that law enforcement will determine whether the attack was premeditated or linked to any extremist ideologies. At this stage, investigators are treating the suspect as a lone actor, and no additional threats have been identified.

According to preliminary reports, the student had no prior criminal record or documented behavioral issues at school, though classmates have described him as “quiet” and “withdrawn.” Authorities have seized the student’s personal computer and other belongings as part of their investigation into potential motives.

Support and Solidarity

Grief counselors and crisis response teams have been dispatched to the school to provide support to students and staff. Vigils are already being organized in the Lyon community, with hundreds expected to gather in front of the school gates this evening.

Catholic education authorities issued a statement offering prayers and solidarity with the victims and families affected. “This heinous act has no place in our schools,” the statement read. “We mourn the loss of a devoted teacher and support the recovery of those injured.”

As the investigation continues, Saint-Laurent Institute will remain closed for the remainder of the week. Education Minister Élisabeth Borne confirmed that measures will be reviewed to ensure the safety of all schools in France moving forward.

The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the challenges facing educators and students in an increasingly unpredictable world. For now, the community of Lyon mourns together, united in sorrow and searching for answers.