A man wielding a knife was fatally shot by French police near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Friday evening, authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred during a ceremony to rekindle the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a daily ritual beneath the iconic monument.
According to France’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, the suspect, a French citizen born in 1978, died from his injuries after being transported to a hospital. The prosecutor’s office has taken charge of the investigation, though the immediate motive for the attack remains unclear.
The assailant reportedly attacked a member of the Republican Guard with a knife, inflicting a minor injury, before another officer opened fire. The wounded guard’s injury was described as slight. The attacker was armed with both a knife and scissors, officials stated.
The suspect was known to authorities, having been previously convicted in Belgium in 2013 for attacking three police officers. He had received a prison sentence in connection with that incident. He was a resident of Seine-Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris.
The attack prompted a swift response from French security forces, and the area around the Arc de Triomphe was temporarily secured. The incident occurred on the busy Champs-Élysées avenue, a major tourist destination and symbol of Paris. The timing of the attack, coinciding with the flame-lighting ceremony, adds a layer of symbolic significance to the event.
The flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a memorial to the French soldiers who died in World War I. It is extinguished and relit every evening in a formal ceremony, representing remembrance and national unity. The attack took place directly under the arch during this ceremony, disrupting the solemn occasion.
The involvement of the national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office suggests authorities are treating the incident with a high degree of seriousness, despite the suspect’s prior conviction relating to attacks on police officers in Belgium. The prosecutor’s office did not immediately provide a reason for assuming jurisdiction over the case.
France has been on heightened alert for terrorist attacks in recent years, following a series of incidents targeting security forces and civilians. The country has experienced several attacks carried out by individuals inspired by extremist ideologies. This latest incident will likely fuel further debate about security measures and the threat of radicalization within France.
The Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, stands as a powerful symbol of French national identity and military victories. Its location at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the Étoile, makes it a focal point for major public events and commemorations. The monument attracts millions of visitors each year.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack, including the suspect’s motivations and any potential connections to extremist groups. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing France and the vigilance required to protect its citizens and iconic landmarks.
The swift response by the police, and the subsequent involvement of the anti-terrorism prosecutor, reflect the French government’s commitment to addressing potential threats and ensuring public safety. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even the most heavily guarded sites to acts of violence.
