Recent shootings in Toulouse, particularly in the Empalot neighborhood, sparked intense debate among officials during the municipal council meeting on Friday, October 9. The meeting took place in a tense political atmosphere, with security and the rising level of violence in the city becoming the main topic of discussion. Several incidents of gun violence have occurred in recent days, especially in Empalot, where the mayor, Jean-Luc Moudenc, stated that the level of violence has reached an unprecedented level. He attributed the violence to "settlements between crooks, mafias, and traffickers," highlighting the complex and dangerous situation in the area. Moudenc made remarks that were quickly criticized by opposition members. He said, "Whether victims or aggressors, I do not offer my condolences to anyone because all of this is ruining people's lives." His comments were condemned by François Briançon, a member of the opposition group Vivre mieux, who called the statement "terrible" and emphasized that "a life is a life." Sacha Briand, the deputy mayor in charge of Finance, defended Moudenc, stating that those involved in these conflicts, whether victims or perpetrators, are delinquents who have no right to "ruin the lives of all the residents of Toulouse and these neighborhoods" to settle their disputes. The official from the majority emphasized the need to distinguish between the people involved in violent acts and their real victims, "that is, our citizens." This distinction was also supported by François Briançon, who reminded officials that "the residents of the popular neighborhoods should never be confused with the traffickers." To address the issue of drug trafficking, Briançon called for a multi-faceted approach, combining sanctions, cooperation with the state, support for local associations, and strengthening public services. "Combating drug trafficking is precisely giving the neighborhood the means not to be handed over to it," he insisted. Jean-Luc Moudenc emphasized the need for additional police officers in Toulouse, given the rising level of violence. He noted that the city has been implementing a voluntary policy for several years in priority neighborhoods to improve living conditions, working with the State, the Region, the Department, the Family Allowances Fund, and social landlords. However, he warned that this effort is now threatened by the current situation, and he sent a new letter to the Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, requesting more resources. Moudenc explained that he wants the national police in Toulouse to have more human resources to conduct investigations and dismantle criminal networks more effectively. He also requested an increase in the resources of the Toulouse judiciary, particularly in judges and clerks, to support any intensified police activity. Despite some progress in recent years, Moudenc believes that the current resources are still insufficient and that he has been fighting successive ministers to secure more support.