All Syracuse University students studying abroad in Strasbourg, France, have been accounted for after a shooting in the city on Tuesday night, according to an email sent to parents of the students abroad in France.

The email, sent by SU Abroad’s Assistant Director for Student Services Bridget Demorest just after 4 p.m. local time, advised individuals to stay in their current residences until French authorities gave further directions. All SU staff members were also accounted for, Demorest said in the email.

At least four people were killed and 11 were injured in the shooting, which occurred at about 8 p.m. in France, the Associated Press reported. The gunman, 29, had been identified, but was still at large as of 5:20 p.m. local time, The Washington Post reported.

Demorest sent out an email to parents of Strasbourg students before the Tuesday shooting that gave information about the rising, anti-government “Yellow Vest” movement in France. Students in France were told to avoid all demonstrations and exercise caution, according to the email, which was sent at about 1:20 p.m. local time. Before the shooting, no violence had been reported in Strasbourg, per the email.

“At this time, life in Strasbourg is normal: the Christmas Market is in full swing, the restaurants are busy, and all the schools are open,” Demorest said in the first email.

“Yellow Vest” protests began in November in reaction to an increase in France’s gasoline tax, and the group has participated in increasingly violent protests since then.

On Tuesday, French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced that the tax increases were being suspended for six months, but protesters said the reaction was insufficient.

Protesters attempted to slow down traffic on highways and roads throughout France, Demorest said. The actions will not directly affect students in Strasbourg since they only use transportation within the city, she said.

No motive for Tuesday’s shooting has given, but a terrorism investigation has been opened, the Post reported.

Published on December 11, 2018 at 8:26 pm

Contact India: irmiragl@syr.edu