Former Général-en-Chef of The Council Pierre LaFlamme has been shot down and killed shortly after 1:00 PM SMT in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées of Île-du-Palais, New Paris. According to his fiancée they were meant to meet in the park when the incident occurred. Provisional Police forces still investigate the case, suspecting the deadly shot came from the upper levels or the top of one of the skyscrapers surrounding the park, and issued a manhunt against an unknown suspect.

Pierre LaFlamme was one of the most prominent actors of the Second Gallic Civil War during the past decade. Born and grown up on Quillan, he joined The Gallic Council of National Freedom and Unity following the liberation of the planet, rose up quickly on the ranking ladder, and ended up leading the paramilitary revolutionary organisation two years later, all the way until the ceasefire of last month. The reorganisation of The Council's forces into the Provisional Navy, Police and Intelligence on behalf of the Republique de La Gaule made him a military and political advisor to President Orianne Castaignède until the new political structure of Gallia solidifies. Besides his military and diplomatic accomplishments as a General, some attribute him the humble decision to accept the offered ceasefire in the last battle over New Paris, but he never took credit for that. His last major role in shaping the political future of his nation was representing the Republique on the Leviathan Conference. Unfortunately he will not be present during the negotiations among the three Gallic states.

The slight chaos ongoing within Gallia during the current transition period makes the investigation of the Police difficult: until now they had to deal with a moderate increase in average crime rates, but major political and military figures were safe. LaFlamme's death creates an alarming precedent, prompting the increase of personal security for politicians, and makes way for various conspiracy theories. Even now a wide range of theories, from vengeful royalists through Enclave agents to dissatisfied maquisards, have sprung up, which will definitely not ease the still present tensions between the Gallic states.

President Castaignède expressed her condolences to LaFlamme's family and friends, noting his dedication for the betterment of Gallia. Grand Duke Trintignant shared the president's thoughts, commending LaFlamme for his ideals, and his wisdom at fighting only when necessary. The Syndicated Minarchy of Provence made no comment up until this point yet. A public event will be hosted starting at 12:00 PM SMT in the Père Lachaise Cemetery for all those wishing to honor his memory in person at his catafalque. The actual burial ceremony will be held privately at a later date, among his closest family members, friends and colleagues only.

Pierre LaFlamme lived 32 years.■