It was with deep emotion and sadness that I learnt of the death of one of our Republican Guards stationed at the Hôtel de #Matignon. My thoughts are with his family, his loved ones and his comrades-in-arms. At this painful time, I wish to assure them of my sympathy and support.
— Christophe Castaner (@CCastaner) 5 November 2018
Matignon: A gendarme found dead in the gardens
The body of a 45-year-old gendarme was discovered at around 9.30 am in the gardens of the Hôtel Matignon (the Prime Minister’s official residence).
He was a member of the Republican Guard and was responsible for the military command’s CCTV systems.
His service weapon was found beside him, and the investigation has been entrusted to the General Inspectorate of the National Gendarmerie.
The theory that he took his own life with his service weapon is currently the leading line of inquiry.
The Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, who is currently on a visit to New Caledonia, has issued a statement. He extends “his deepest condolences” to the gendarme’s family and “his support to the colleagues of the deceased gendarme and to all the staff at Matignon”.
A few months ago, the gendarmes responsible for security at Matignon had spoken out about “the deterioration in their working conditions” and a “deep sense of unease”.
He is the 31st gendarme to have taken his own life this year.