Sniper accidentally shoots two at French president's event
A sniper has accidentally shot two people as French President Francois Hollande was giving a speech on Wednesday.
The policeman was providing security for the VIP event when he accidentally fired as he changed position outside a marquee.
"It was an accidental shot by a police officer which injured two waiters, or at least one waiter and an (event) employee. The injuries aren't life threatening," local government chief Pierre N'Gahane said.
"The bullet grazed one person's calf and then lodged in another person's leg.”
Hollande had been at the high-speed rail event.
The officer, who was helping to provide security for the president, was standing on an elevated point, N'Gahane said.
Video from the incident shows Hollande halting his speech after a bullet shot is heard in the background, with the president saying, "I hope there's nothing serious" and holding his hands up to the crowd.
But a few seconds later he says "I don't think so" and resumes talking about the railway project.
Hollande spoke briefly to the two injured guests before departing, N'Gahane said.
Security at Hollande’s events has been stepped up in recent times, from two bodyguards to 14.
While he was running for the presidency a woman threw flour over him as he wrapped up a speech on housing problems, in protest over housing laws not being applied.
A shoe was thrown at him at a separate event on the campaign trail.
