In the heart of Paris, tragedy struck near the iconic Eiffel Tower on a chilly Saturday evening. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin reported that a 26-year-old suspect launched a brutal attack around 9 p.m., starting with a 23-year-old German man and his partner. The German national lost his life in this heinous ordeal, while his companion escaped unscathed thanks to a heroic cab driver.
The tragedy continued as the assailant crossed over to the other side of the Seine, attacking two more individuals, including a 60-year-old Frenchman and a 66-year-old British tourist. Both victims were left shaken but physically unharmed. The attacker finally met his end when the police apprehended him, using a Taser to subdue him. The culprit allegedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" during his rampage, as per Home Secretary Darmanin's announcement.
An eyewitness, present in a nearby bar, recalled hearing cries for help and seeing terrified individuals running away as the chaos ensued. The attack near the Eiffel Tower wasn't ordinary; the weapon of choice was a hammer instead of a knife, adding an extra layer of danger.
The assailant's familiarity with the French justice system was not a secret. In 2016, he had been found guilty of planning another attack in La Défense, a prime business district in Paris. Despite serving four years of his five-year sentence, he continued to be under judicial supervision.
Originally from France, raised by Iranian parents, the suspect had French citizenship. He lived in the Paris area with his parents before committing this horrific act. Recently, he had faced significant psychological challenges and was deemed unstable and easily influenced, requiring psychiatric treatment during and after his detention.
A series of videos appeared online before the attack, with the suspect expressing anger towards France and accusing it of complicity in foreign wars, naming conflicts in Afghanistan and Gaza specifically. His rage towards the French government and the alleged treatment of Muslims overseas became a driving force behind the brutal incident.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne were quick to respond, expressing their condolences and reaffirming their commitment to fighting terrorism. Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also strongly condemned the attack and conveyed her sympathies towards the victim's loved ones.
The attack near the Eiffel Tower had a profound impact on the local community and beyond. It comes amidst tense circumstances in France, where tensions have escalated due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The highest attack alert level remains in force, and extra vigilance is necessary due to the increased threat of radicalized individuals.
[1] Source: Le Monde [2] Source: BBC News
