Deadly Attack Near Eiffel Tower Claims One Life and Injures Two, Including British Tourist
PARIS – A chilling knife and hammer attack unfolded on a street in central Paris near the Eiffel Tower, resulting in the death of a German tourist and injuries to two others, including a British national. The incident occurred shortly before 21:00 local time on Saturday, with a 26-year-old French national, known to security services, apprehended by authorities. Anti-terrorism prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the attack.
The victim, a German tourist and nurse, was fatally stabbed on Quai de Grenelle while accompanied by his wife. France’s Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, revealed that the wife’s life was spared due to the timely intervention of a taxi driver. The assailant fled across a nearby bridge over the River Seine, where he attacked a 66-year-old British tourist with a hammer before being Tasered and arrested by police on suspicion of premeditated murder and “attempted assassination in relation to a terrorist enterprise.”
Identified as Armand R, the 26-year-old French suspect, with Iranian parentage, had released a video online criticizing the French government and expressing grievances about the perceived injustices against Muslims. The suspect had previously served four years in prison for planning an attack and was supposed to be undergoing treatment for psychiatric issues.
The injured parties, a Frenchman in his 60s and the British tourist, received prompt medical attention, and both are reported to be in stable condition. Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau confirmed their well-being, stating they are “in good health.”
The suspect’s alleged declaration of “Allahu Akbar” during the attack, along with his grievances about Muslim deaths in Afghanistan and Palestine, added a potential terrorist motive to the incident. The assailant’s release from prison in 2020 raised questions about the effectiveness of the justice system, considering his previous history.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the incident, expressing condolences to the victims and their families. He thanked emergency services for their swift response and announced that the national anti-terrorist prosecutor’s office would investigate the attack to ensure justice is served. The assault comes within two months of a high school teacher’s killing in Arras, prompting the French government to elevate the national security alert to its highest level.
A German man has died and a British man was among two people injured in a knife attack in Paris.
The French suspect left prison after four years in 2020 and was under surveillance.
Europe Correspondent @AdamParsons shares the latest.https://t.co/FG5W88zYnD
📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/epemZfEEMS
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 3, 2023