Sniper (accidentally) opens fire during French president’s speech

Sniper (accidentally) opens fire during French president’s speech

Insurance News

By Ryan Smith

A French police sniper accidentally shot and injured two people during a speech by the French president, according to a BBC News report.

French President Francoise Hollande was speaking in the town of Villognon when the incident occurred. The shot was discharged as the sniper shifted position on a roof about 100 meters from the tent where Hollande was speaking, according to BBC news.

The bullet went through the tent, passed through the thigh of a waiter and lodged in the calf of a railway maintenance worker. The injuries weren’t life-threatening, BBC News reported.

A local news report said that the safety catch on the officer’s rifle was not engaged, which allowed an accidental discharge.

Hollande was making a speech inaugurating a new stretch of railroad when a sound like a gunshot was heard, according to the BBC. He paused for a moment to ask if anyone had been hurt. The sound didn’t cause any panic among the attendees, according to news reports.

A judicial investigation has been launched into the incident.

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