Caen pedestrian attack: suspect faces murder charges after two deaths

A judicial investigation for "assassinations and attempted assassinations" has been opened following a deadly incident in Caen, France, where a 26-year-old driver struck a group of people outside the train station. The attack resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left nine others injured.

The suspect's custody was lifted on Friday, and he was scheduled to be presented to investigating magistrates later that afternoon. These magistrates will determine whether to formally charge him and whether to order his detention. The prosecutor's office in Caen indicated that the suspect's vehicle "did not attempt to brake or swerve but, on the contrary, deviated its trajectory to make contact with the victims and hit them."

Investigators have officially ruled out a terrorist motive for the attack. Current lines of inquiry are focused on understanding the suspect's motivations, with a particular focus on potential animosity between the Chechen and Afghan communities. This suggests the incident may stem from inter-communal tensions rather than broader extremist ideologies.

The incident has sent shockwaves through Caen, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and judicial authorities. The gravity of the charges reflects the severity of the outcome, with potential penalties including life imprisonment for the suspect if convicted.

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did not seek to brake or carry out avoidance maneuvers but, on the contrary, deviated its trajectory to make contact with the victims and hit them