Knife Attack Near Arc de Triomphe: Man Shot by Police in Paris

A man wielding a knife attacked a police officer near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on February 13, 2026, resulting in him being shot by responding officers. The incident occurred on the Champs-Élysées avenue and prompted a security lockdown of the area, including the closure of nearby Metro stations.

According to reports, the assailant attempted to stab an officer during the daily “Rekindling of the Flame” ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a tribute to French war victims held at 6:00 PM local time. A second officer then opened fire, striking the man multiple times.

The suspect is currently in critical condition, having sustained injuries to the torso and leg. French authorities have launched an investigation, with the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office taking the lead.

The identity and motives of the attacker remain unknown at this time. Initial reports indicate the man was “already well known” to police, but further details have not been released. Authorities are working to ascertain his background and any potential connections to extremist groups.

This incident echoes previous attacks in Paris targeting law enforcement. In January 2016, a man armed with a knife and wearing a fake suicide vest was shot dead near a police station, coinciding with the anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attacks. That assailant was carrying a piece of paper displaying the Islamic State flag and a claim of responsibility written in Arabic. Investigators at the time identified the man as Sallah Ali, born in Casablanca, Morocco, in 1995, though his true identity remained uncertain.

France has been on heightened alert for terrorist attacks in recent years, particularly following the November 2015 attacks that left 130 people dead. The government has maintained a state of emergency and implemented enhanced security measures across the country, including increased police presence at sensitive sites.

The attack on the Champs-Élysées comes amid a tense political climate in France, with presidential elections approaching. The incident is likely to fuel debate over security policy and immigration, issues that have dominated the campaign trail. In April 2017, following an attack on police on the Champs-Élysées, candidates were accused of exploiting the event for political gain.

The immediate area surrounding the Arc de Triomphe remains cordoned off as forensic teams gather evidence. The investigation is focused on determining the attacker’s motives, identifying any potential accomplices, and assessing whether the incident was a coordinated terrorist act. The Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station remains closed for security reasons.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.