BFM TV apologised on Friday for broadcasting Bob Marley’s 1973 song “I Shot the Sheriff” during a special programme on the death of the Strasbourg shooter, Cherif Chekatt – the lyrics of the track played on the gunman’s name.
“The technical team in charge of the sound admitted to being behind this serious incident and pleaded a ‘handling error’. An investigation is underway and hopefully will get to the bottom. We apologise to our viewers for this incident obviously beyond our control”, the broadcaster explained.
On Thursday, French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner confirmed that Chekatt had been neutralised during the police operation in the Neudorf district. The suspect went on a shooting spree near Strasbourg’s Christmas market on 11 December, killing three people and injuring 12 others.
“During the apprehension, [the suspect] scuffled with police… The law enforcement officers have immediately responded and neutralised the aggressor. I have informed the president of the Republic and the prime minister [about the developments”, Castaner said.
Following the shooting attack, Castaner announced that hundreds of law enforcement officers had been mobilised to track the perpetrator down.
He also elaborated that Chekatt was known to security services and served two prison terms in France and Germany, where he was “flagged” for violent behaviour by French intelligence agencies.
*Daesh, also known as IS/ISIS/Islamic State, is a terrorist organisation outlawed in Russia and many other countries.