A tragic incident unfolded on the evening of January 21, 2026, on Boulevard Napoléon-III in Nice, when a 24-year-old woman was fatally shot while driving her car. She was accompanied by her six-month-old baby, who fortunately escaped unharmed, amidst this shocking act of violence.
Details of the Incident
The young woman was driving a BMW 1 Series heading towards the intersection with Avenue Henri-Matisse. While at a stop, a scooter approached her vehicle, and the rider opened fire, firing a total of ten shots. This brutal attack left witnesses horrified.
Immediate Aftermath
- The car continued moving before crashing into a post.
- Witnesses rushed to assist and called emergency services.
- The baby was safely removed from the passenger seat.
Despite the rapid response of twenty firefighters, the young woman went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. The police, including both municipal and national forces, swiftly cordoned off the area.
Investigation Initiated
Following the shooting, a comprehensive investigation was launched. Authorities reviewed surveillance footage to trace the scooter’s route. The scooter was eventually discovered abandoned, leading to the questioning of its owner, who reported lending it to someone potentially linked to the Cape Verdean community.
Legal Proceedings
The investigation is classified as a case of “aggravated murder,” with law enforcement exploring various motives, including possible drug-related conflicts or personal vendettas. As the hunt for the shooter intensified, police operations also occurred in the Rimiez area.
Witness accounts described the scene as chaotic, with one nearby resident recounting how they heard multiple gunshots. Several witnesses reported the shooter appearing to ensure the woman was incapacitated by firing additional shots. Community reactions have been of disbelief and regret, as this neighborhood was considered peaceful until now.
Community Response
News of the tragedy has sparked strong reactions from local leaders, including Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, who expressed profound sorrow. He vowed to allocate resources to ensure the perpetrators are captured swiftly. Éric Ciotti, a local deputy, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of protecting the community from escalating violence.
Historical Context
This incident follows a similar event from September 7, 2022, where a police shooting resulted in a young man’s death during a traffic stop, raising ongoing concerns about public safety in the area.
The community grapples with the implications of this tragedy, reflecting on the need for safety and solidarity in the face of violence.
