France is seeing criminal gangs recruiting increasingly younger members.

A 15-year-old boy in black, hooded attire attacked a bar manager in France this week. The teenager claimed he was there on „official business” and pointed a gun at the manager. Fortunately for the manager, the boy appeared unable to handle the weapon, and when he attempted to fire, the gun did not discharge.

Following the shocking moment, the bar’s patrons and staff acted swiftly. According to reports, they immediately disarmed and subdued the teenager before alerting the police. Authorities arrested the youth and confiscated a 9 mm pistol, La Provence news portal reported.

„Frightening Amateurism”

Although the incident resulted in no casualties, it highlights a disturbing trend: drug trafficking gangs are hiring increasingly younger individuals to carry out killings. Back in October,

the Marseilles prosecutor’s office warned of the „ultra-youthful” shift in drug trafficking, affecting both perpetrators and victims. Officials expressed concern over the rise in „frighteningly amateur” and „unprecedentedly savage” crimes.

An investigation has been launched into the 15-year-old’s case for „attempted murder as part of an organized crime group.” Authorities aim to determine whether the Marseilles teenager indeed received a contract, as he claimed during questioning. Authorities will also determine the amount in question, the means provided and the intended target.