A knife attack in the eastern French city of Mulhouse has left one civilian dead and five police officers injured, two of them seriously. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday near a bustling marketplace, where the suspect reportedly shouted religious slogans during the attack. French authorities have launched a terrorism investigation, further fueling ongoing debates over national security and immigration policies.
The attack took place around 4:00 PM local time (15:00 GMT) in a highly populated area close to Mulhouse’s city center. The suspect, identified as a 37-year-old Algerian national, suddenly lunged at police officers who were patrolling a demonstration related to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of panic as market-goers fled while law enforcement tried to contain the situation. The assailant first targeted two police officers, inflicting severe injuries—one was stabbed in the neck, while another sustained wounds to the chest. A 69-year-old Portuguese man who attempted to intervene was fatally stabbed.
Three additional officers suffered minor injuries before the suspect was subdued and arrested at the scene. Authorities quickly cordoned off the area, and forensic investigators arrived to collect evidence.
According to local prosecutors, the suspect had been on France’s terrorism watch list for some time and was already subject to a deportation order. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau later revealed that France had tried to expel the individual on at least ten occasions. However, each attempt was blocked as Algeria repeatedly refused to accept his return.
Following his arrest, the suspect was assessed and found to have what officials described as a "schizophrenic profile." Authorities are now investigating whether his mental health played a role in the attack or if he was influenced by extremist ideologies.
The attack has sparked strong reactions from French political leaders. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, stating:
"There is no doubt that this was an Islamist terrorist attack. We stand united against terrorism, and our commitment to eradicating such threats remains unwavering."
Prime Minister François Bayrou also addressed the incident, expressing deep sorrow for the victims and calling for enhanced security measures. Mulhouse Mayor Michèle Lutz described the attack as a tragic day for the city and offered condolences to the victim's family.
Local residents have expressed shock and fear following the attack. Cemalettin Canak, a 55-year-old Mulhouse resident, spoke to the media about his concerns:
"I've lived here for more than 40 years, and I have never seen anything like this. It makes me worried about my safety when I go to the market."
The incident has reignited national debates surrounding France’s approach to terrorism, immigration policies, and the effectiveness of deportation processes. Critics argue that stronger enforcement is necessary to prevent known threats from remaining in the country, while others emphasize the need for improved mental health evaluations for individuals flagged as security risks.
As authorities continue to investigate, they are examining whether the suspect acted alone or had any connections to extremist groups. Counterterrorism experts are also reviewing the case to determine if any warning signs were overlooked.
The French government is now discussing potential policy changes regarding deportation procedures, particularly for individuals who pose security threats but cannot be expelled due to diplomatic or legal constraints.
The knife attack in Mulhouse is a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges France faces. While law enforcement acted swiftly to neutralize the suspect, the tragic loss of life and injuries to multiple officers highlight the need for continued vigilance. As the nation mourns, the focus now shifts to preventing similar attacks and ensuring that national security measures remain strong.
