On Saturday, February 22, 2025, chaos erupted at the busy covered canal market in Mulhouse when a knife attack left one person dead and several others injured. The tragic incident occurred around 3:40 PM during what was reportedly a demonstration supporting Congo, with the suspect targeting both civilians and police officers.
The victim of the attack was identified as a 69-year-old Portuguese man who died after intervening to protect others. Two local police officers suffered severe injuries during the attack, with one suffering damage to the carotid artery and the other sustaining injuries to the thorax. Reports indicate at least three additional officers also sustained lighter injuries.
The assailant, 37 years old and of Algerian origin, was under judicial supervision and had been assigned to stay within certain bounds due to prior offenses. He was supposed to adhere to an order to leave French territory, yet he remains at large. Eyewitness accounts confirmed the suspect shouted "Allah Akbar," which translates to "God is the greatest," during his assault, raising alarms about the potential motives behind his actions.
The investigation has since been taken over by the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office (PNAT), which is treating the attack as a possible act of terrorism. This move reflects the serious nature of the incident, particularly the suspect’s background; he was already on the FSPRT, the file used to track individuals known for radicalization leading to terrorism. The prosecutor, Nicolas Heitz, emphasized the urgency of the situation as authorities mobilized to secure the area with extensive police presence.
French President Emmanuel Macron responded to the horrific event during the Salon de l'Agriculture, explicitly calling it "Islamic terrorism," remarking, "There is no doubt about it." He stressed the government’s unwavering determination to combat terrorism, reiterally urging for public unity against such acts. The President expressed solidarity with the victim's family and all those affected by the senseless violence.
Prime Minister François Bayrou shared his sentiments on social media, lamenting the attack as evidence of the persistent threat posed by extremists. He stated, "The fanaticism has struck again, and we are mourning," sending his thoughts to the victims and their families. Bayrou praised the swift response of law enforcement, who acted heroically to control the situation.
Security measures escalated immediately following the attack, with vastly increased police patrols around Mulhouse. Four perimeters were established, and military personnel from Operation Sentinelle were called to bolster security efforts. Local authorities worked diligently to secure the scene, with forensic teams conducting thorough investigations to gather evidence from the scene of the crime.
This attack marks another stark reminder of the challenges France faces with terrorism. It occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding immigration policies and societal division over national security. The suspect's past, including convictions for promoting terrorism and his psychological troubles, adds complexity to the public discourse about security measures and integration.
Local officials, including the Mayor of Mulhouse, Michèle Lutz, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "The horror has struck our city". She conveyed her condolences to the families affected and advocated for collective resilience in the face of extremism. Lutz's comments echoed the sentiments of many residents grappling with the shock and grief of the attack.
The investigation is expected to take time as law enforcement examines all possible angles of the attack, including the assailant's radicalization. With the national anti-terrorism prosecutor now leading the case, both local and national authorities are poised to re-evaluate their approaches to preventing such incidents from happening again.
Efforts to support the victims, their families, and the broader community are beginning, as healthcare services prepare to assist those traumatized by the event. The city stands united, determined to reclaim their sense of safety and security. Witnesses of the attack continue to share their experiences, contributing to the collective narrative of resilience against extremism.
France faces the pressing need to address the roots of radicalization and violence, with government officials already discussing the need for stricter measures concerning at-risk individuals. Ongoing national debates about immigration, security, and community solidarity will likely intensify as more details about the attack unwinds. The citizens of Mulhouse, and France at large, are left to grapple with the reality of living under the persistent threat of terrorism, all the more poignant after such devastating events.