Caen prosecutor investigates terrorism apology in school-linked videos
Caen prosecutor investigates terrorism apology documented in school-area videos.
Event / Conflict
France School Radicalization Investigation
Caen prosecutor's office opens investigation into terrorism apology and crimes against humanity following October 8, 2026 Snapchat videos documenting individuals wearing terrorist figure apparel near high schools, vandalism at school facilities, and display of explosive devices during national student mobilization.
1 reported locations
Daily activity
1 articles0 articles
2026-10-15 to 2026-10-28 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 15 Oct, 14:38 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Snapchat videos show individuals wearing shirts with names of terrorist figures near high schools
Videos posted on Snapchat on October 8, 2026 showed three individuals photographed from behind wearing football-style shirts emblazoned with the names of Mohammed Merah, Ben Laden, and Hitler. The videos were filmed outside Salvador Allende High School in Hérouville-Saint-Clair and Dumont d'Urville High School in Caen. The individuals appeared to be young men, and the same people were filmed at multiple school locations during a national high school student mobilization day.
Snapchat videos document destruction at Caen high schools during student mobilization
Videos published on Snapchat on October 8, 2026 showed masked individuals committing acts of vandalism and violence at Laplace High School in Caen. The same day, the guardians' lodges at Laplace High School and Salvador Allende High School were damaged. The main student demonstration in central Caen proceeded peacefully, but damage occurred at school entrances during the national student mobilization day.
Snapchat videos show display of explosive devices near high school
Videos posted on Snapchat on October 8, 2026 documented individuals presenting what appeared to be mortar fireworks or explosive devices. The prosecutor stated that investigators are working to locate individuals who appear to be supplying such devices for use against law enforcement and to commit property damage during the student mobilization events.
Caen prosecutor opens investigation into terrorism apology after Snapchat videos
The public prosecutor's office in Caen opened a formal investigation for apology of terrorism, apology of crimes against humanity, and conspiracy to commit property damage following videos published on Snapchat on October 8, 2026. The investigation was initiated by the Calvados prefecture under Article 40 of the French Code of Criminal Procedure, which requires authorities to report crimes and offenses to the prosecutor. The investigation is being handled by the interdepartmental judicial police service of Calvados.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives