France Stunned by Stabbing Rampage in Mulhouse
Multiple Arrests Made in Connection with Islamist Terrorist Act
French police have made several arrests in connection with a stabbing rampage that occurred in the eastern city of Mulhouse, killing one and wounding several others. The incident has been labeled an "Islamist terrorist act" by President Emmanuel Macron.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
The 37-year-old Algerian-born suspect, who was on a terrorism watchlist and subject to deportation orders, was arrested at the site of the attack. He was heard shouting "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) during the attack, according to the national anti-terror prosecutors unit (PNAT).
Multiple Injuries Reported
The attack occurred around 4 pm (1500 GMT) near a busy market in Mulhouse, a city of around 110,000 people near the German border. A 69-year-old Portuguese man was fatally wounded, while parking attendants and police were also hurt. Two officers were seriously wounded, with one sustaining an injury to a carotid artery, and the other to the upper body. Three other officers suffered minor injuries.
Background on Suspect
The suspect was registered on France’s terrorist watchlist, known as FSPRT, which compiles data from various authorities on individuals with the aim of preventing "terrorist" radicalization. The list was launched in 2015 following deadly attacks on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo’s offices and on a Jewish supermarket. Retailleau told French broadcaster TF1 that France had tried to expel the suspect 10 times, with Algeria refusing each time to accept him.
Government Response
Macron has condemned the attack, stating that there is "no doubt" that the incident was a "terrorist act", specifically "an Islamist terrorist act". The government has pledged to continue doing "everything to eradicate terrorism on our soil". Speaking during a visit to France’s agriculture fair, Macron offered condolences to the family of the victim and said the "solidarity of the nation" was behind them.
Failed Expulsions
The government has faced criticism for its handling of the suspect’s case, with Retailleau stating that France had repeatedly attempted to expel him from the country, but Algeria refused to cooperate. He added that "once again, it is Islamist terrorism that has struck, and once again, problems of migration were ‘at the origin of this terrorist act’".
Recent Stabbings in France
This incident is the latest in a string of stabbings deemed acts of terror in France. In January, a 32-year-old knife-wielding man wounded a person in a supermarket in Apt, in the south of France. In December 2023, a man suspected of stabbing a German tourist to death near the Eiffel Tower was charged with carrying out a terror attack.
Conclusion
The French government has faced criticism for its handling of the suspect’s case, with many questioning the country’s ability to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks. The incident has sparked concerns about the rise of Islamist terrorism in France and the need for more effective measures to prevent radicalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened during the attack in Mulhouse?
A: The suspect, a 37-year-old Algerian-born man, went on a stabbing rampage, killing one and wounding several others in what President Macron called an "Islamist terrorist act".
Q: What is the government’s response to the attack?
A: The government has condemned the attack, stating that there is "no doubt" that the incident was a "terrorist act", specifically "an Islamist terrorist act". The government has pledged to continue doing "everything to eradicate terrorism on our soil".
Q: What is the background on the suspect?
A: The suspect was registered on France’s terrorist watchlist, known as FSPRT, and was on a terrorism watchlist. He was also on a deportation list and had been refused entry to several European countries.
Q: What is the government’s plan to prevent similar attacks in the future?
A: The government has pledged to continue doing "everything to eradicate terrorism on our soil", but has faced criticism for its handling of the suspect’s case and the country’s ability to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks.