Emergency Attack Level: Strengthened Security Measures Implemented in Educational Establishments Following a Terrorist Attack in Arras

Following the terrorist attack which occurred in Arras on October 13, 2023, the Prime Minister, Élisabeth Borne, decided to raise the posture of the Vigipirate plan throughout the national territory to the “Emergency attack” level. Concretely, in educational establishments measures are put in place. Security is reinforced and parents informed.

Just hours after the terrorist attack which caused the death of the French teacher Dominique Bernard yesterday in Arras, educational establishments immediately adopted the modalities required by the “emergency attack” level.

A minute of silence will be organized on Monday at 2:00 p.m. in “all schools, all educational establishments” in France after the attack on Arras, announced the Minister of National Education Gabriel Attal.

This Vigipirate plan is a central tool of the French counter-terrorism system. It involves all stakeholders, the State, local authorities, public and private operators as well as citizens, in a attitude of vigilance, prevention and protection.

Thus, the principal of the Léonard de Vinci high school in Antibes sent parents in the afternoon the measures put in place on Monday October 16. Here is the message received by the parents:

“The tragic news and the new assassination of a teacher in Arras leads me to inform you that, more than ever, we must be vigilant regarding the safety of people and property in the school. All, parents and staff of National Education, we must come together and think about the serenity that young people must find in their educational establishment.

Also, I am taking the initiative to warn you now that identity checks will be reinforced at the entrance to the school and that we will not allow anyone to enter without identification and reason for visit.

Furthermore, even if I am perfectly aware that traffic can be difficult and cause certain delays, we will strictly comply with the opening and closing times of the school gate.”