A knife attack in the eastern French city of Mulhouse on Saturday left one person dead and several police officers wounded, with authorities treating the incident as an “Islamist terror act.”
According to prosecutors, the suspect, a 37-year-old man on a terror prevention watchlist (FSPRT), attacked municipal police officers while shouting “Allahu Akbar.” French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the attack was an act of Islamist terrorism and vowed to continue efforts to eradicate extremism in the country.
Suspect Arrested, Civilian Fatally Stabbed
The suspect was arrested at the scene. Before being detained, he fatally injured a civilian passerby, a 69-year-old Portuguese national, who had attempted to intervene. Three police officers suffered minor injuries, while two others were seriously wounded—one sustaining an injury to the carotid artery and another to the thorax, prosecutor Nicolas Heitz said.
Terrorism Investigation Launched
France’s national anti-terror prosecutors unit (PNAT) has taken over the investigation, treating it as murder and attempted murder “in connection with a terrorist enterprise.” The attack took place around 4:00 p.m. during a demonstration, prompting police to establish a security perimeter and deploy forensic experts to collect evidence.
Suspect Was Under Judicial Supervision
Authorities revealed that the suspect, originally from Algeria, had been under judicial supervision, house arrest, and an expulsion order from France. However, the deportation had not yet been executed.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is expected to visit the scene, while Mulhouse Mayor Michèle Lutz expressed grief over the attack, calling it a moment of “horror” for the city.
France Reaffirms Stance Against Terrorism
Macron emphasized that France stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, declaring, “There is no doubt that this was an Islamist terrorist act.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to combatting radicalization.
Sources By Agencies
