French authorities are investigating a series of disturbing syringe attacks that occurred during the Fête de la Musique, a nationwide street music celebration held over the weekend in France.
The interior ministry reported that attackers pricked 145 people with needles across the country, prompting authorities to detain 12 individuals on Sunday.
The incidents have sparked widespread concern, particularly as the nature and intent of the needle attacks remain unclear.
Paris police confirmed that at least 13 such cases were reported within the capital alone.
Uncertainty over the substance involved
The French interior ministry has stated that it is taking the matter ‘very seriously’ and has launched toxicology tests to determine whether the attackers used any substances, including potential date-rape drugs like Rohypnol or GHB.
These drugs can render victims disoriented, unconscious, and susceptible to further harm.
‘A full investigation is underway’, a ministry spokesperson told international media on Monday. “We are awaiting toxicology results to better understand the nature of these attacks.”
Victims report feeling unwell
Paris prosecutors confirmed that a 15-year-old girl, an 18-year-old man, and another individual reported being pricked during separate incidents across the city.
All three reported feeling unwell shortly afterwards, prompting medical evaluations.
Attackers typically administered the needle pricks to the arm, leg, or buttocks, mirroring similar cases reported across Europe in recent years.
In the days leading up to the Fête de la Musique, several feminist voices, including social media influencer Abrège Soeur, raised alarm over online calls to attack women using syringes.
These warnings have now taken on added significance in light of the reported incidents.
Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez condemned the attacks during an interview with CNews, calling the online threats ‘completely idiotic’ and adding, ‘These are extremely serious incidents’.
Authorities noted that this year’s Fête de la Musique drew unprecedented crowds, with Nuñez estimating three to four times more people in Paris than usual.
Millions took part in events nationwide, creating logistical challenges for law enforcement.
In addition to the syringe attacks, the interior ministry reported that police arrested 371 people across France on Saturday night, nearly 90 of them in Paris, for a range of offences unrelated to the needle pricks.
French authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as they work to establish the motive behind the syringe assaults.
Police have appealed for additional witnesses and are continuing their inquiries in hopes of uncovering further details behind these alarming events.
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