Chirac Gunman Committed to Psychiatric Hospital

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, July 16, 2002

Chirac Gunman Committed to Psychiatric Hospital

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

A neo-Nazi gunmen who is accused of trying to kill President Jacques Chirac during Sunday's Bastille Day parade was committed to a psychiatric hospital Monday pending the outcome of a judicial investigation to determine whether he was "criminally responsible for his actions" at the moment of the shooting.

The man, Maxime Brunerie, 25, an accounting student and part-time chauffeur, was wrestled to the ground by spectators and police after he fired one shot from a .22 calibre hunting rifle at Mr. Chirac. At the time, the French leader was standing in an open jeep and waving at the crowds as he was driven down the Champs Elysees towards a reviewing stand at the Place de la Concorde.

The incident, the first attempted assassination of a French president in almost 40 years, prompted calls for an immediate review of Mr. Chirac's security arrangements and drew attention to the activities of little known extreme rightist and neo-Nazi groups that operate in the shadows of French political life.

French police quickly identified Mr. Brunerie as a member of several such groups, although they said they believe that he acted alone. However, authorities believe his action was clearly premeditated.

He bought the rifle on July 6, rented a car to bring him to Paris on Sunday and posted a message on a far-right English-language Web site urging people to watch the Bastille Day parade. He brought the gun to Paris hidden inside a guitar case.

Following his arrest, police said that he admitted wanting to kill Mr. Chirac "to save France" and said that he had intended to commit suicide afterward.

Monday evening, Paris prosecutors said that he had been committed to a special psychiatric hospital outside Paris because of "the danger he poses to himself and others." At the same time, by opening a judicial investigation, they said experts can determine his fitness to face trial for attempted murder. A decision is expected within one month.

Source: Agencies

Questions?Comments? Click here

Gunman Firing at French President Chirac

Chirac Attacker Leaves Internet Message Before Shooting: Police

How to View Major Problems in China's Income Distribution System ( 35 Messages)

Gang of 66 Criminals Get Heavy Sentences ( 3 Messages)

Sino-Russian Military Exercise not Targeting Third Country ( 58 Messages)

Shanghai Plans Asia's Biggest Shopping Center ( 124 Messages)

Taiwan to Lift Half-century Ban on Direct Investment in Mainland ( 2 Messages)

China's Economy Grew 7.8 Percent in First Half Year ( 3 Messages)