A violent knife attack occurred in Mulhouse, France, on Saturday, resulting in the death of a 69-year-old man and injuries to several police officers. The assailant, who has been identified as a 37-year-old Algerian national, reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack, which took place at a local market around 4 p.m. as a demonstration in support of the Democratic Republic of Congo was underway.
The attack began with the suspect targeting a civilian, who was killed in the assault. Following this, the attacker confronted a group of municipal police officers, injuring several of them as they attempted to subdue him. According to reports, one officer sustained a serious injury to the carotid artery, while another was hurt in the thorax.
Authorities have confirmed that the victim was a Portuguese national. The assailant was taken into custody and was already on France’s terror prevention watchlist, indicating prior concerns about his potential for violence. Reports suggest that he was under judicial supervision and house arrest, as well as facing an expulsion order from the country.
In the wake of the attack, local officials expressed their shock and condemnation. Mulhouse’s mayor, Michele Lutz, described the incident as a moment of horror for the city. French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation, emphasizing his government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and labeling the incident as an act of terror.
Bruno Retailleau, the Minister of the Interior and a member of the right-wing political party Les Republicains, called the attack a wake-up call for France, highlighting the need for changes in migration policies. He argued that the current system does not adequately protect citizens and suggested that individuals in similar situations should be detained until they can be deported.
The incident has reignited discussions about security and immigration in France, particularly in light of the ongoing threat of Islamist terrorism. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and to bolster security measures in public spaces.