Head of French army steps down after shooting at military show that injured 17

The head of France's army has resigned following a weekend shooting at a military show that injured 17 when real bullets were used instead of blanks, the French presidency said Tuesday.

Photo: Head of French army steps down after shooting at military show that injured 17

President Nicolas Sarkozy has accepted Gen. Bruno Cuche's resignation, Sarkozy's office said.

Investigators are investigating Sunday's display of hostage-freeing techniques at the Laperrine military barracks in southern France. Sarkozy pledged "consequences" following the shooting.

Most of those injured were civilians, and three were children. Hospital officials said Monday that none of the injuries appeared life-threatening.

The soldier who fired the bullets was taken into custody. Montpellier Prosecutor Brice Robin said the shooting appeared to be unintentional.

"According to his early statements, it appears that he made a mistake while loading his gun," Robin said Monday. "This act was absolutely not premeditated; I want to be clear about this point."