“French Citizen Known to Intelligence Services Strikes in Central Paris; German Tourist Killed”
Paris, France: In a shocking incident near the iconic Eiffel Tower, a knife and hammer attack unfolded in central Paris, resulting in one fatality and two individuals sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
French police swiftly apprehended a suspect, identified as a French citizen with a history known to intelligence services.
France’s Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, addressed reporters at the scene, revealing that the assailant, born in France in 1997, had previously been sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for planning “violent action.”
Describing the suspect as having “serious psychiatric disorders,” Darmanin provided insights into the individual’s troubled history.
The attack occurred at Bir Hakeim, prompting a robust response from law enforcement and emergency services.
The victim, a German tourist born in the Philippines, tragically lost their life in the assault. Two others sustained injuries, but their lives are not in jeopardy.
During the arrest, one of the responding police officers deployed a taser to neutralize the attacker.
Darmanin reported that following his apprehension, the suspect expressed anguish over the deaths of Muslims in Afghanistan and Palestine, shouting “Allahu Akbar” during the assault.
French President Emmanuel Macron swiftly labelled the incident a terror attack, and the country’s anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office has taken charge of the investigation.
Macron conveyed his condolences to the family of the deceased German national and expressed gratitude to the emergency services for their rapid response.
“I send all my condolences to the family and loved ones of the German national who died this evening,” Macron posted on social media platform X in the early hours of Sunday.
He emphasized the importance of the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office in bringing justice to the French people.
Videos captured at the scene depict a significant law enforcement presence, with police cars, ambulances, and the Paris Fire Brigade responding promptly.
Traffic diversions and cordons were implemented, urging members of the public to avoid the affected area.
The incident adds to a series of security challenges faced by France in recent times, raising concerns about the ongoing threat of terrorism in the country.
The arrest of the suspect, previously known for planning violent actions, highlights the complex interplay of security and mental health issues.
As the investigation unfolds, French authorities remain vigilant, and the public is urged to stay informed about developments while respecting security advisories in the affected vicinity.
The terror incident near the Eiffel Tower serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by extremism and the imperative of robust counter-terrorism measures.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
