Overview
- The 65-year-old, who fired a carbine near a group of children Sunday in Espaly-Saint-Marcel, was arrested and received a police summons for alleged violence with a weapon.
- The Puy-en-Velay prosecutor confirmed Tuesday that the man said he fired into the air from his home after noise and insults, and that no injuries were found on the child who reported feeling a pellet pass close by.
- Two witnesses cited by Le Progrès say he chased the children while yelling racist slurs, and a video viewed by local media reportedly captures him declaring he is proud to be racist, which police have not confirmed.
- Neighbors told local outlets the suspect had hurled racist insults for months, and a resident who tried to file a complaint for racist abuse the day before was told to return during the week due to limited staffing.
- Left-wing lawmakers condemned what they called a racist attack, while authorities and Franceinfo stressed conflicting accounts, and the investigation will determine whether hate-related charges are warranted.