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Police officer accidentally opens fire at President Hollande speech, 2 injured – official Police officer accidentally fires weapon at President Hollande speech, 2 injured (VIDEO)
(35 minutes later)
Two people were injured after a police sharpshooter accidentally opened fire during a speech being given by French President Francois Hollande, according to AP. Two people were injured after a police sharpshooter accidentally fired his weapon during a speech given by French President Francois Hollande, according to a French official cited by the AP.
Hollande was speaking in Villognon, Charente in western France at the opening of a high-speed train between Paris and Bordeaux when the sound of a gunshot interrupted his speech on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident happened on Tuesday afternoon in Villognon, Charente in western France with a shot clearly heard ringing out in the footage from the scene. A shot is clearly heard ringing out in footage from the scene.
"I hope that wasn't serious," Hollande said nonchalantly before continuing with his speech at the unveiling of the LGV high speed rail line."I hope that wasn't serious," Hollande said nonchalantly before continuing with his speech at the unveiling of the LGV high speed rail line.
It’s understood the weapon’s safety mechanism was not on when a security services agent, located on a nearby rooftop, accidentally fired. The bullet landed in the marquee in which Hollande was addressing the assembled crowd, according to Soud Ouest.
Although it has been confirmed that two people were injured as a result, there are conflicting reports as to whom. Initial reports suggested the agent shot himself in the leg, although it now seems a waiter and a member of the LGV maintenance crew both received leg injuries, according to L’Express.
It’s understood the weapon’s safety mechanism was not on when a sniper, located on a nearby rooftop, tripped when changing position and accidentally fired his weapon in the process, reports Le Parisien. The bullet landed in the marquee in which Hollande was addressing the assembled crowd, according to Soud Ouest.
Two people located inside the marquee received leg injuries as a result, although they’re not believed to be serious. One is understood to have been a waiter and the other a member of the LGV maintenance crew, according to L’Express.
Following his speech, which lasted around 20 minutes, Hollande is reported to have met with the injured parties, both of whom were treated on site.Following his speech, which lasted around 20 minutes, Hollande is reported to have met with the injured parties, both of whom were treated on site.
An investigation into the incident has been launched and a public prosecutor is expected to hold a press conference later on Tuesday, reports La Provence.An investigation into the incident has been launched and a public prosecutor is expected to hold a press conference later on Tuesday, reports La Provence.