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French police sniper accidentally shoots two people during Francois Hollande speech French police sniper accidentally shoots two people during Francois Hollande speech
(35 minutes later)
A French police sniper has accidentally shot and injured two people during a speech by President Francois Hollande.A French police sniper has accidentally shot and injured two people during a speech by President Francois Hollande.
The sharpshooter accidentally fired his weapon while Mr Hollande was inaugurating a new fast train line in the western town of Villognon, the top official of the region Pierre N'Gahane said. The sharpshooter was on a roof about a hundred metres away from a tent where Mr Hollande was inaugurating a new fast train line in the western town of Villognon.
Local media reports a waiter and a train company employee were hit, one in the leg and the other in the ankle. A waiter and a train company employee were wounded, one in the leg and the other in the ankle, local media reports.
Other reports said the gun's safety catch had failed or was unlocked. The safety on the marksman's rifle was reportedly off and the shot was fired while he was changing position, Sud-Ouest reported.
"I hope it is nothing serious," Mr Hollande said as his speech was interrupted by the shot, before adding "I think not" and continuing. "I hope it is nothing serious," Mr Hollande said as his speech was interrupted by a loud gunshot. After looking to his left, he said "I don't think so" and continued.
The sniper was positioned on a roof around 100m from the marquee. Officials have launched a judicial investigation. 
Officials have launched a judicial investigation. The two wounded people did not have life-threatening injuries, a prefect of police for the Charente region, Pierre N'Gahane, told BFM-TV.
They say the lives of the injured are not in danger. Local media said Mr Hollande went to comfort the two wounded people after the shooting.
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