A French historian committed suicide at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Tuesday. The man has been identified as 78-year-old Dominique Venner. Venner reportedly shot himself in the mouth after placing a letter on the alter of monument within the cathedral. According to the Associated Press, this was the first suicide at the 850-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral in decades.
There were 1,500 people in attendance at the time of the shooting and all were escorted out of the cathedral.
"It's unfortunate, it's dramatic, it's shocking," Monsignor Patrick Jacquin, the cathedral's rector, said. Church employees and authorities remained in the cathedral as they attempted to find the missing piece in this troubled man's puzzle.
The message within the letter left by the deceased along with possible motives have not been revealed. Tourist gathered in front of the cathedral awaiting to hear from authorities.
There's been no report of prior altercations or interactions with fellow Notre Dame Cathedral visitors that can give insight on the man's state of mind.
The French historian has been credited to wanting "more radical action in the opposition to same-sex marriage in France." Investigators speculate the suicide was a political gesture Venner thought was needed to ignite political change.
Paris has made headlines last week for a public suicide that occurred at a private Catholic school in the French Capital.
Venner is allegedly scheduled to be honored with a prayer during the re-opening of the cathedral along with other individuals who may share the common thought of suicide or have lost a loved one to suicide.
"We call for compassion," minister Manuel Valls said.
No statements were made by friends or family of Venner.
