A deadly knife attack shook the city of Mulhouse, France, on Saturday afternoon, leaving one person dead and at least five others injured. The victim who lost their life was a passerby, according to a source close to the investigation. Two parking officers and two municipal police were among those injured. The Anti-Terror Prosecutor’s Office has taken over the case, with investigations being conducted by the Anti-Terrorist Subdirectorate, the Zonal Directorate of the National Police in the East, and the General Directorate of Internal Security. Interior Minister Bruno Le Maire is expected to visit the site of the attack.
The attack occurred around 3:40 p.m. in the market square, where the assailant was later arrested on Lavoisier Street. It’s reported that the individual was known to the police and had previously been registered in the FSPRT, a file used to track reports of terrorist radicalization. According to several sources, the attacker shouted “Allah Akbar” during the incident. The suspect was also subject to an obligation to leave French territory, known as an OQTF.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, labeling it a “terrorist act” that is “beyond doubt” Islamist in nature. He expressed the solidarity of the nation and confirmed that the Interior Minister would provide further details on the case later. Macron reiterated the government’s determination to eradicate terrorism, emphasizing the importance of continuing their work to prevent such acts.
The Mayor of Mulhouse, Michèle Lutz, reacted to the attack on Facebook, stating that “horror has taken over our city.” Lutz described the incident, where a man attacked bystanders in the market, injuring several municipal police officers who intervened. The mayor sent “fraternal feelings” to the victims and their families, suggesting that the terrorist motive is being considered.
Interior Minister Bruno Le Maire criticized Algeria for not accepting the attacker, an Algerian national, back into their country. He mentioned that his services had contacted the Algerian consulate multiple times without receiving a response. Le Maire emphasized the need to change France’s approach with Algeria, seeking a more balanced relationship. He argued that dangerous individuals with a history of apologizing for terrorism should face detention and security penalties, rather than being released after serving their prison sentences. Le Maire believes it’s time to reform the law to provide greater protection for the French people.