Raid Responds: Suspect Flees After Woman Executed in Nice Shooting
On the evening of January 21, 2026, a tragic incident occurred on Boulevard Napoléon-III in Nice, France, where a 24-year-old woman was shot in her vehicle while accompanied by her 6-month-old baby. This horrifying act of violence shocked witnesses and authorities alike.
The Shooting Incident
The woman was driving a BMW when a scooter approached her vehicle. An unidentified male on the scooter opened fire, discharging ten rounds. Witnesses described the scene turning into chaos as the woman collapsed, and the vehicle careened into a post after the attack.
Immediate Aftermath
- The woman, a Cape Verdean national, suffered severe injuries and was found in a state of cardiac arrest.
- Paramedics attempted to revive her, but she was later pronounced dead.
- The infant in the front passenger seat survived the ordeal unharmed, sheltered by the woman’s protective instinct.
Police Response and Investigation
As news of the shooting spread, immediate police investigations commenced. Upon arrival, various police units, including municipal and national forces, began securing the area.
- A security perimeter was established, and witnesses were questioned.
- The police reviewed surveillance footage to trace the scooter used in the attack.
- The scooter, later found abandoned, had its license plates removed and contained a spent cartridge.
The Hunt for the Suspect
An extensive manhunt ensued, focusing on tracking down the shooter. Investigators deployed in Nice’s Rimiez district as they sought to identify leads in this high-profile case.
Authorities launched an investigation for “aggravated murder,” with speculation surrounding possible motives including personal vendetta or criminal connections.
Community Reaction
The local community expressed shock and dismay over the shooting. Eyewitness accounts painted a picture of panic and urgency as neighbors rushed to assist after the incident.
- One witness recounted hearing initial gunfire followed by a second volley of shots.
- Residents noted that the area had always been considered peaceful, making the violence even more unsettling.
Official Responses
Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, expressed his outrage, stating, “This act of barbarity must not go unpunished.” He reassured the public that every effort would be made to apprehend the perpetrator.
Eric Ciotti, a local deputy, echoed similar sentiments, extending condolences to the victim’s family while urging the city to address crime with urgency.
A Recurring Concern
This event raises alarms about rising violence in urban areas, reminiscent of another incident nearby in September 2022, where a police shooting occurred.
As investigations continue, the community stands united in hopes of justice while grappling with the recent horrors faced in their neighborhood.
