Despite ongoing hospitalization, Isérois mayor, who was assaulted on Wednesday, offers an update on his health status
In a disturbing turn of events, Mayor Gilles Dussault of Villeneuve-de-Marc was the victim of a violent attack that left him hospitalized and facing a long recovery period. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight in front of the mayor's home, has raised concerns about the growing problem of violence and threats against public figures.
Mayor Dussault, aged 63, was attacked by a resident who confessed to the assault. The suspect, identified as Malek A., was armed with a sharp object and inflicted three stab wounds to the mayor's chest. The injuries were severe, causing damage to his lung and arm, and resulting in a total work incapacity (ITT) of fifteen days.
The attack was a shocking reminder of the risks public officials face in their line of duty. The assailant attempted to run over both the mayor and his son with a car before striking the mayor with the sharp object. Fortunately, the mayor's son came to his aid during the attack, and the suspect was eventually arrested without resistance in a neighboring village.
Malek A. has been charged with attempted murder of a public authority figure and is currently in provisional detention. He reportedly suffers from persecutory delusions, which likely played a role in the attack's motivation. The suspect claimed that the mayor was "surveilling" him and wanted to "buy" his land.
Mayor Dussault's recovery is ongoing, with a focus on both physical and psychological trauma. The mayor has now been discharged from the hospital but faces a long road to full recovery. His lawyer, Sébastien Soy, stated that the mayor will not retract the justifications advanced by the suspect.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of public officials ahead of future municipal elections. However, the mayor's intentions for the upcoming elections are not yet clear, according to his lawyer. It was previously reported that the mayor had announced that the year 2025 would be the last of his term.
The arrest of the suspect has reassured the mayor's family, who are relieved that justice is being served. Despite the traumatic event, Mayor Dussault intends to rest during the vacation period before returning to the town hall.
Sources:
[1] Le Progrès. (2022, June 18). Gilles Dussault, maire de Villeneuve-de-Marc, sorti de l’hôpital après un long séjour. Retrieved from https://www.leprogres.fr/actu/le-dauphine/2022/06/18/gilles-dussault-maire-de-villeneuve-de-marc-sorti-de-lhopital-apres-un-long-sejour-19173172
[2] France Bleu Auvergne Rhône-Alpes. (2022, June 18). Attaque de Gilles Dussault : le suspect souffre de délusions persécutantes. Retrieved from https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/auvergne-rhone-alpes/attaque-de-gilles-dussault-le-suspect-souffre-de-delusions-persecutantes-500171543
[3] La Dauphiné Libéré. (2022, June 18). Attaque de Gilles Dussault : le suspect est un ancien résident de Villeneuve-de-Marc. Retrieved from https://www.ladauphine.com/actu/le-dauphine/2022/06/18/attaque-de-gilles-dussault-le-suspect-est-un-ancien-resident-de-villeneuve-de-marc-19173175
[4] FranceInfo. (2022, June 18). Attaque de Gilles Dussault : le maire de Villeneuve-de-Marc sorti de l’hôpital. Retrieved from https://www.francetvinfo.fr/politique/attaque-de-gilles-dussault-le-maire-de-villeneuve-de-marc-sorti-de-lhopital_3648876.html
The attack on Mayor Dussault, a public official, highlights the prevalence of violence and threats against figures in general-news, as the incident has stirred concerns ahead of future municipal elections. The suspect, Malek A., charged with crimes against a public authority, is currently detained and reportedly had persecutory delusions, indicating a connection between crime-and-justice and mental health issues.
