Friday October 13, 2023, the Gambetta-Carnot school campus in Arras, in Pas-de-Calais, was the target of a knife attack which cost the life of Dominique Bernard, a 57-year-old teacher. This tragedy occurs almost three years after the assassination of Professor Samuel Paty, a tragedy which had already shaken France. In addition to the death of the teacher, three other school staff members were injured. The alleged perpetrator of this attack, a 20-year-old young man from the Caucasus and former student of the establishment, was identified as the main suspect.
Two days after the attack, an emotional crowd gathered in front of Arras town hall, on the Place des Héros, to pay tribute to the murdered professor. The sound of sirens resonated for many minutes, marking the unity and solidarity of the community in the face of this immeasurable loss.
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Rain of tribute for Dominique Bernard
The mayor of Arras, Frédéric Leturque, expressed the grief and incomprehension felt by the population in the face of this act of violence. “We are all gathered, united, standing, for Dominique Bernard, for his family, for his children”he declared according to France Info. He also highlighted the absence of sufficient words to describe this atrocity and ease the pain of the victim’s loved ones.
In addition to the Arrageois, certain personalities also wanted to honor the memory of the teacher. Among them: Vianney. Upset, the interpreter of I am leaving sent a heartbreaking message to Dominique Bernard’s three daughters. “Let us share today the face of a hero. Dominique Bernard had three daughters, and students whom he loved to death. Faced with darkness, he intervened. It is up to us to do the same”, he wrote above a photo of the victim. A poignant message.
V.B.