Puget-sur-Argens: Anti-Terror Prosecutors Take Over Probe into Racist Killing of Tunisian Man

A man was killed and another wounded by gunfire on Saturday, May 31, in Puget-sur-Argens, southeastern France. The suspected shooter, a French national and sport shooting enthusiast, released two videos containing racist and politically charged messages before and after the attack. France’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office (PNAT) has now taken over the investigation.

A Premeditated and Publicly Claimed Act

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) announced on Monday, June 2, that it had taken charge of the investigation into Saturday night’s shooting in Puget-sur-Argens (Var). A 35-year-old Tunisian national was killed, and a 25-year-old Turkish man sustained a gunshot wound to the hand.

According to investigators, the suspect—identified as a French national—premeditated the attack. He published two videos on social media, before and after the shooting, containing racist rhetoric and calls for violence against foreigners. One of the videos reportedly includes a tribute to far-right figure Jean-Marie Le Pen. A source close to the investigation said the content carried “political motives” and aimed to “terrorize the population.”

First Far-Right Terror Case Handled by PNAT

The PNAT is investigating the case under charges of murder and attempted murder “in connection with a terrorist enterprise” and “committed on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion.” The investigation also includes charges of criminal terrorist conspiracy. France’s domestic intelligence agency (DGSI) and anti-terror police (SDAT) are leading the probe.

The alleged gunman was arrested by the GIGN tactical unit while attempting to flee in a vehicle containing several firearms, including a semi-automatic pistol, a shotgun, and a handgun. Authorities were alerted by the suspect’s partner.

This marks the first time the PNAT has taken over a case suspected to involve far-right terrorism in France.

The attack has sparked strong reactions. The NGO SOS Racisme denounced it as a “double racist crime” and the result of a broader effort to legitimize hate speech and racist violence. Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon called it a “heinous racist murder,” while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau declared that racism “must be severely punished” and called for an “uncompromising judicial response.”