Alexis Battu was shot in the head around 6.30pm on Wednesday, and was pronounced brain dead as a result of the incident. He passed away in hospital in Nancy on Thursday.
The Républicain Lorrain, citing local authorities, wrote that the incident took place in the guardhouse, after a 22 year old fellow soldier mishandled a Famas assault rifle.
One of the bullets struck the victim in the head, leaving him in a “desperate” situation. The shooter was placed in custody.
An investigation has been opened for attempted homicide; however, the Metz prosecutor is quoted by the Républicain Lorrain as saying it was a mishandling.
Both soldiers belonged to a Marne regiment recently stationed at the Palace.
Alexis Battu, 1st class artilleryman and reservist with the 40th regiment of Suippes, was single and childless. “He died in the accomplishment of his mission” writes the army. His superiors described him as a soldier with an “excellent frame of mind” , “assiduous” and appreciated “for his great camaraderie ".
