- Knife attack near Eiffel Tower
- Suspect pledges allegiance
- Victims injured, one killed
Two individuals, including a British national, were injured, and one German resident was fatally wounded in a knife and mallet attack on a street in the heart of Paris.
The assault took place in the vicinity of the Eiffel Tower just before 21:00 local time (or 20:00 GMT) on Saturday.
Following the apprehension of a 26-year-old Frenchman, anti-terrorism prosecutors initiated an inquiry.
Prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard announced on Sunday that the suspect had sworn allegiance to Islamic State.
During a briefing, the prosecutor stated that the suspect had posted a video on social media in which he expressed support for the jihadist organization.
Profile of the Alleged Perpetrator
French media outlets have identified the perpetrator as Armand R, a French national who was born in France to Iranian parents.
According to the police, he was discharged in 2020 after four years in prison for plotting an assault. He was expected to be pursuing treatment for psychiatric issues.
Previously, it was disclosed that the nurse-turned-victim of the assault on Saturday night was a German tourist.
“Your path to wealth begins here – don’t wait, get your free Webull shares.”
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said the victim was badly stabbed on Quai de Grenelle with his wife.
He said the man ran across a Seine bridge after a cab driver saved his wife.
Following his crossing to the northern bank of the river, he proceeded to assault two additional individuals. He struck the 66-year-old British hostage with a mallet.
Arrest and Immediate Aftermath
Suspicion of assassination, defined as premeditated murder under French law, and “attempted assassination in relation to a terrorist enterprise,” led to the suspect’s detention after police Tasered him.
An online video appeared to capture the instant armed police apprehended the suspect near the location of the attack.
The two injured individuals—a British tourist and a Frenchman of approximately 60 years of age—were treated by emergency services; however, neither was determined to be in a life-threatening condition.
French Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau informed the press on Sunday that the two individuals are “in good health.
On Saturday night, a police operation was launched near the Bir-Hakeim metro station. The authorities warned individuals to refrain from entering the area.
According to Mr. Darmanin, the alleged assailant was overheard proclaiming “Allahu Akbar,” which translates to “God is greatest” in Arabic. He also expressed his displeasure to the police that “so many Muslims are dying in Afghanistan and Palestine.”
Additionally, it is believed that the suspect implied France was involved in the Palestinian fatalities in Gaza.
On Saturday, AFP also reported that the suspect uploaded a video to social media. In the video, he criticized the French government and discussed what he claimed to be the assassination of innocent Muslims.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences to all those impacted by the “terrorist attack” and thanked the emergency services for their swift action via X, a platform that was formerly Twitter.
He said the national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office must investigate to serve the French people.
It occurred less than two months after a knife attack at a secondary school in the northern city of Arras claimed the life of a teacher, prompting the French government to issue the country’s highest national security alert.
Swimming away from sharks could be deadly; follow these tips
