Horror Syringe Attacks at French Music Festival
Around 145 revellers—mostly teenage girls—were stabbed with syringes during a wave of disturbing attacks at the annual Fête de la Musique (World Music Day) across France. Victims reported feeling unwell after being pricked and were rushed to hospitals for toxicology testing amid fears the syringes could contain toxic substances, including potential date-rape drugs like GHB.
The incidents occurred during the nationwide street music celebration on Saturday, with major cases reported in Paris, Angoulême, and Metz. In Paris alone, 13 people were jabbed amid what police described as “unprecedented crowds.” In Angoulême, some 50 people were attacked, while in Metz, a single man allegedly assaulted ten girls before being arrested through CCTV footage.
Authorities confirmed 12 people have been arrested in connection with the syringe stabbings. French media reported that disturbing social media messages had circulated ahead of the event, calling for attacks targeting women.
Metz Mayor François Grosdidier praised the swift response by local police, noting that the investigation into the suspect’s cellphone could help identify more attackers.
A total of 370 people were arrested across the country during the festival for various offenses.
The violent weekend was further marred by a tragic shooting at a wedding in Carpentras, where a bride was killed by masked gunmen. One attacker was also killed, reportedly run over by the groom’s car during an attempted escape.
French authorities are continuing investigations into both horrifying incidents.
