On March 23, 2018, Major Garcia was the first to enter the Super U compound in Trèbes (Aude) where a terrorist hostage taking was in progress.
The commander of the gendarmerie surveillance and intervention platoon (PSIG) of Carcassonne took with him his four most experienced men.
As the column advances, he is surprised to see his superior arrive, Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Beltrame, whom he asks to stay back given the weakness of his protective equipment.
Summoned as a witness this Tuesday, January 23, the major relives the scene before the specially composed Paris Assize Court which has been judging Radouane Lakdim's bloody journey since the beginning of the week.
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The police then face the attacker, who is holding the store's receptionist at gunpoint.
“The leader takes control.
He decides to negotiate, to advance towards the cash register and he asks the terrorist to exchange with the hostage, explains Major Garcia.
I tell him no, you shouldn't do that but despite everything he does it anyway.
He removes his belt then he forces the exchange on the terrorist and allows the release of the cashier.
".
Arnaud Beltrame will never be able to enlighten the court on this extraordinary decision.
A few minutes later, he will be Radouane Lakdim's 4th victim.
He was 44 years old.
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