Fatal Attack Near Eiffel Tower in Paris Leaves One Dead, Two Injured
A fatal knife and hammer attack occurred near Paris' Eiffel Tower, resulting in one death and two injuries, including a British individual. The incident unfolded around 21:00 local time on Saturday, with a 26 year-old French suspect, previously known to security agencies, being detained. An anti-terrorism probe has been initiated.
The deceased individual was a German citizen. France's Interior Minister highlighted that the German man was with his wife at the time of the stabbing, which took place on Quai de Grenelle. A passing taxi driver intervened, potentially saving the wife's life, while the attacker escaped across a bridge over the Seine, injuring two more people with a hammer.
Police used a Taser to subdue the attacker, identified by the media as Armand R. He faces charges of premeditated murder and attempted murder with terrorist intent. The two wounded a Frenchman and a British tourist received prompt emergency care and are in stable condition.
The UK Foreign Office is offering assistance to the injured Briton. A police cordon was established around the Bir-Hakeim metro station, with public advisories to stay clear of the area.
During his arrest, the suspect was reportedly shouting "Allahu Akbar" and expressed distress over Muslim casualties in Afghanistan and Palestine. He previously served a jail term for plotting an attack in 2016 and had mental health issues.
A video circulated online, where the suspect criticized French authorities and decried the killing of Muslims. French President Macron referred to the violence as a "terrorist attack" and commended first responders, assuring that justice would be sought.
This attack follows a recent fatal stabbing at an Arras high school, which raised France's security alert to its highest level.
Police used a Taser to subdue the attacker, identified by the media as Armand R. He faces charges of premeditated murder and attempted murder with terrorist intent. The two wounded a Frenchman and a British tourist received prompt emergency care and are in stable condition.
The UK Foreign Office is offering assistance to the injured Briton. A police cordon was established around the Bir-Hakeim metro station, with public advisories to stay clear of the area.
During his arrest, the suspect was reportedly shouting "Allahu Akbar" and expressed distress over Muslim casualties in Afghanistan and Palestine. He previously served a jail term for plotting an attack in 2016 and had mental health issues.
A video circulated online, where the suspect criticized French authorities and decried the killing of Muslims. French President Macron referred to the violence as a "terrorist attack" and commended first responders, assuring that justice would be sought.
This attack follows a recent fatal stabbing at an Arras high school, which raised France's security alert to its highest level.
