The mayor of Saint-Brieuc, Hervé Guihard, was assaulted in the head at a bar in the city on Thursday, September 26th, by a man presenting significant psychiatric issues. The attacker struck him with the handle of a knife before being arrested and hospitalized. The prosecutor announced the opening of an investigation for attempted murder of a public official, death threats, and rebellion. The incident occurred in the morning in the city center, with the suspect entering the bar asking for the mayor and threatening an “attack.”
At the time of the attack, Guihard, who has been mayor since 2020, was in a meeting with his general services director. The suspect approached him, accusing him of involvement in militant events, and proceeded to threaten and assault him with a knife. Guihard defended himself by shielding his arm, but received several blows to the head and face. Police intervened by evacuating the bar and engaging in dialogue with the assailant, who was threatening suicide. After half an hour, the suspect was subdued with the use of electric weapons.
The attacker was found in possession of two knives and was deemed mentally unfit for detention, being admitted to psychiatric care. The mayor was prescribed two days of rest due to post-assault psychological stress and a subcutaneous hematoma. This individual had previously disrupted a public meeting during the European elections and had a history of criminal convictions, including aggravated violence against family members and malicious communication.
Despite being monitored for previous offenses, the attacker had been forcibly hospitalized twice in 2023. An expert psychiatrist will assess his legal responsibility at the time of the incident, as an investigation is initiated by a judge. Politicians and officials expressed solidarity with Guihard and condemned the violence, emphasizing the importance of protecting elected representatives as an attack on the Republic itself. The incident has sparked concerns about the rising levels of unprovoked violence in political contexts.
The assault on the mayor has raised discussions regarding the safety and security of public officials, particularly in the context of increasing political tensions and radical behaviors. The incident sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals in positions of authority, highlighting the need for enhanced measures to protect them from potential threats and violence. Authorities are evaluating the mental health system and monitoring procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the investigation progresses, the community awaits justice and measures to ensure the safety of elected officials.
