Private Catholic school in France: 1 dead, 3 injured in stabbing attack; French student apprehended

A student was arrested by French police on Thursday for allegedly killing one student and injuring three others in a stabbing incident at a private Catholic school. 

The 15-year-old attacker was subdued by teachers at the Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides High School in Nantes before law enforcement arrived, as per a spokesperson. 

“This afternoon, a stabbing incident occurred at a private school in Nantes,” Education Minister Elisabeth Borne stated. “I will be going there with [Interior Minister] Bruno Retailleau to show support for the victims and the education community.” 

The student stabbed four students with a knife during a lunch break, according to the Associated Press. 

French soldiers and police stand close to the high school where a stabbing attack happened in Nantes on Thursday, April 24. (Loic Venance/AFP via Getty Images)

The attacker was dressed in all black clothing and wore a helmet and balaclava, Reuters also reported, citing local newspaper Ouest France. 

The student attacker was reportedly subdued by teachers Thursday before police arrived. (Reuters/Stephane Mahe)

Photos taken near the school showed a heavy security presence Thursday. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.