A deadly knife attack occurred on Saturday afternoon, February 22, 2025, in the picturesque town of Mulhouse, eastern France, leaving one person dead and multiple others injured. The incident unfolded shortly before 4 PM during a demonstration supporting Congo, sending shockwaves through the normally peaceful market square.
The attacker, a 37-year-old man of Algerian origin known to authorities and registered on the terrorism radicalization watchlist, began his assault at the market square near Place du Marche and Rue Lavoisier. Witnesses reported hearing him shout 'Allahu Akbar' (God is great) moments before he launched his attack. Municipal police officers were among the victims, with one officer suffering severe injuries to the neck, another to the chest, and three others sustaining minor injuries.
According to prosecutor Nicolas Heitz, the assault resulted in the tragic death of one victim, identified as a 69-year-old Portuguese man, who was stabbed multiple times. Following the attack, the suspect was arrested at the scene, as footage showed officers detaining him on the ground after the rampage. The police acted swiftly, establishing a security perimeter and gathering evidence.
This incident marks another troubling moment for France, which has seen recurrent acts of violence linked to radical extremism. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau was expected to visit the site later the same day to assess the situation. Heitz noted the gravity of the event, emphasizing, "One officer was stabbed multiple times, and two others were seriously injured."
The attack has spurred significant public concern, prompting local leaders to address the community's fears. Mayor Michele Lutz expressed her distress on social media, stating, "Horror has seized our city." Her message conveyed empathy for the victims and their families, reflecting on the horror of such violence in their town. She emphasized, "The terrorism angle seems to be the focus of our investigation, though this must still be confirmed judicially."
This latest attack is being treated as terrorism, and the National Antiterrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) has taken over the investigation. The suspect, who had been previously placed under judicial supervision with house arrest, was also subject to deportation proceedings, according to various reports. Heitz noted the suspect's prior encounters with law enforcement due to his ties with radicalization.
French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the attack during a visit to the Salon de l'Agriculture, declaring, "It is undoubtedly an Islamist terrorist act." He extended his solidarity to the victims and their families, reinforcing the government's stance against such acts of violence.
The wave of violence isn't unfamiliar to France, which has experienced deadly terrorist attacks over the past decade, including the horrific incidents at Charlie Hebdo and the Bataclan. The government implemented the terrorism watchlist (FSPRT) following these incidents to monitor individuals likely to be involved in acts of radical violence.
Eyewitnesses recalled the terrifying scenes at the market, where chaos erupted as the knife-wielding man lunged at his victims. Police had previously been alerted to the suspect's activities and were monitoring him due to his status on the radicalization watchlist, which aims to prevent potential terrorist acts.
The precise motive behind the attack remains unclear, but the investigations are being prioritized to establish facts and gather evidence on the assailant's intentions. Legal actions are expected as the PNAT continues its inquiry, ensuring thorough scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the violent act.
Community leaders are calling for heightened security and vigilance after this unfortunate incident. With the emotional scars of the attack still fresh, residents are left grappling with fears of safety as they navigate the aftermath. The government’s efforts to combat radicalism and terrorism remain steadfast, but incidents like this raise urgent questions over the effectiveness of such measures.
Local officials have reiterated their commitment to public safety and maintaining order, emphasizing the importance of community support during this troubling time.
For now, the investigation proceeds as authorities work tirelessly to unearth the motivations behind the attack and prevent any future occurrences of violence. The community remains on high alert, united amid its grief and anger as they reflect on the shocking reality of terrorism infiltrated their market town.