On the morning of February 26, 2025, at around 7 AM, the small suburb of Dugny, located in Seine-Saint-Denis, experienced a harrowing event when local police fatally shot a man armed with knives. The incident unfolded at a bus stop on Avenue Lavoisier, where the man, who has yet to be publicly identified but is believed to be homeless, was acting aggressively as he brandished two knives.
Police were initially alerted to the scene due to reports of the suspect's threatening behavior. Upon arrival, officers encountered the man seated at the bus stop, knives clutched tightly in each hand. Eyewitnesses recounted how, without uttering a single word, the individual suddenly charged at the police, prompting immediate action.
According to the Paris police prefecture, "the local police intervened for a man sitting at a bus stop, armed with a knife in each hand." Initially, one officer attempted to subdue the suspect using a Taser, but it proved ineffective. Failing to bring the man under control and confronted with what they described as "an immediate threat," another officer resorted to using his firearm, grievously injuring the man.
Emergency services were called to the scene immediately following the shooting; paramedics administered CPR, but tragically, the man was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. "Despite the care provided, the man died," reported the Paris police.
Following the incident, two separate investigations were announced. The first will be conducted by the territorial security of Seine-Saint-Denis (ST93) focusing on the circumstances surrounding the suspect's attack on the police. The second investigation, led by the General Inspectorate of the National Police (IGPN), will examine the use of force by the officers involved. Police officers directly involved have been interviewed as part of standard procedure following such incidents, where policing protocols come under scrutiny.
Statements of support for the officers involved quickly emerged. The Alliance Police Nationale union expressed solidarity, stating, "The police reacted with professionalism and neutralized the attacker." Éric Couvrat, the deputy departmental secretary of the Un1té police union, also praised the officers: "We commend the courage and professionalism of our colleagues from La Courneuve who neutralized this individual armed with two knives." He highlighted the potential danger to civilians, referencing another recent violent encounter with law enforcement claiming innocent lives. "Without their action, this individual could have attacked a civilian as happened recently at Livry-Gargan," he added.
Sources indicate the man may have had a troubled background, potentially contributing to his marginal status. Local officials confirmed, "This man could be homeless," following insights gathered from the community and local service providers. It has yet to be determined what motivated the suspect's aggressive behavior, though some witnesses reported he was shouting incoherently prior to the confrontation.
Importantly, authorities noted at this stage, no terrorism link has been established concerning the suspect's actions. The investigation will carefully assess the grave decision-making encountered by officers during the incident.
Such shooting incidents highlight growing tensions surrounding police use of lethal force and the scrutiny it brings upon law enforcement practices. With 36 people reported dead last year due to police intervention, this situation raises pertinent questions about safety, enforcement practices, and community relations.
A wide security perimeter was established following the shooting to facilitate thorough investigative efforts, as authorities continued to analyze both the police response and the man’s actions leading up to the shooting. The community of Dugny, impacted by this tragic incident, now faces the challenges of reconciling the event with their views on neighborhood safety and interactions with police.
The incident will no doubt rekindle discussions about police protocols and responses to threats, especially concerning individuals displaying mental health issues or experiencing homelessness. How law enforcement grapples with these complex social realities remains to be seen.